Hi Corrine, someone else in need of a hug!
This is awful for you and it's all due to people not understanding what RA is.
Could you write a letter, or better still copy the description of RA that Jenni has recently posted, print out copies and send one to each member of staff?
You could say at the beginning that you would have liked to get them all together and explain what RA is but you lack the confidence.
Hopefully they will all read it and understand a bit better and can ask you anything they don't understand.
I hope you can work something out to get the respect you deserve at work.

Love, Doreen xx

Hi Corinne,

I so feel for you and can see exactly why you're feeling so disheartened.

Perhaps you should ask them to read the leaflets or even suggest a few of them have a chat with you about it.

Much love and prayers,

Amanda

Hi Corinne,
Doreens idea sounds really good especially with brief intro at the top, hope you find something that works for you, it is hard when things are "hidden" and many of us dont like to draw attention, hope things work out soon,
Chris ~ your little treasures sound delightful, i used to work in a school years ago and remember some little treasures there too! xx

Yeah people think that all children misbehave and are rude to their elders but these children are fab. The school is a in a deprived area and most of them have 'issues' but they look after me. They give me respect because I do the same with them.

I can't wait to get back to work and see them because I know they miss me (Had a class email) even if only to help them with their work.


Corinne

I hope you get the answers and help you need.

Hi Corrinne

First- as a teacher myself, I'd like to say how much I respect and appreciate our TA's. In fact- I have two who work closely with me and they are so supportive and understanding of my RA


I know how you feel though about the responses you get. Many of my colleagues know about my RA even if they don't always understand. Most of them are supportive, but there's the few who see me struggling with a stick and wearing wrist supports yet don't even hold a door open for me! The worst one is a dept colleague . When she joined my dept, I explained it all to her as she was going to be working closely with me as I felt that there were some practical things that she needed to know about, and the fatigue problems, so she didn't think I was skiving. Unfortunately she has shown no consideration at all. We share a room and she's one of those people who never tidies up after herself. I end up having to lug tables and chairs around, put equpiment away etc. I did explain nicely that I can't do these things and she's totally ignored me. When i raised it again, all i got was 'Tell the pupils to do it' ! I don' expect her to understand or sympathise- just a bit of consideration towards a fellow human being. Added to this, she's very aggressive in her manner and seems to take opportunities to undermine me. I get the impression she does it deliberately for some perverse reason.

It does upset me at times. I was brought up to show consideration to others and I get dismayed at human nature sometimes. Ah well- that's life!
I try not to let it bother me. Not always easy though.

The kids are superb- when i fell over in a lesson once I was touched by the help they gave me. We still laugh about me lying on my back like an upturned tortoise and the sight of the deputy head trying to help me up- no mean feat wth my 12+ stone!! Tht's one of the joys of working in a school- if I'm under the weather I can count on the kids to keep my spirits up. And like Chris, they often help out with practical things.

I think it is worth trying to make more people aware of your RA. Maybe just a quiet word with indviduals rather than a big declaration?

Take care- let us know how you get on

love

maria x

Hi Everyone,
Im touched with all the support and advice you have given me, I will look into all the ideas too.

I think some of the problem is we dont have T.A meetings anymore, we used to have them with the senco ( speciel educational needs coordinator) at least once a mth, but since she left we only have a part time senco now and she has alot to do! The thing is I use to be the bubbly, joker and have good relationships with all the staff, but having been off for 6mths I did find it hard coming back (only do mornings at mo im on gradual return to work) also been a few staff changes! the school is not a big one about 300 pupils, I work with a spiecal needs child who iv been with for 6yrs now! also help with ICT !

As with you Maria. I do think that the teacher appeciate T.A's and Iv been told off for saying "just a T.A " in the past, and we do more than just wash paint pots now! (also I have a diploma in pre-school practise :) which im proud of.

It,s just frustrating now I feel different, but want to be the same,want undertanding,but not to be treated diffently,but want to be treated equally!!! I know it's a big list and how can everyone else know ?? unless you tell them "right"

I will find my way, eventually! big changes for everyone, I found out recently too that last year when I was first diag, my daughter was taunted at school and told she was lying about Me being disabled!! how sad I was for her, I only found out as another mum told me! so I asked Megan (my 13yr daughter) she said she talked to a teacher about it at the time and it was sorted, so she was trying to spare my feelings, I hadn't given it any thought as this was never an issue for me (my mum has R.A since I was a baby) but I didn't see mum as disabled! she was just Mum!! But I had always been well untill last yr so not something I expected to happen!! just go's to show we think we have all angles covered just to find new one's!

Thanks again for all yr help will let you know which way I go, after half term :)

love corinne xxx

SO sorry - I'm very good at getting things mixed up and yes, I am proud of her. She hates all the admin side of teaching but just loves being with the kids and teaching.
xxxx