On this site I tell about my life as queer with a chronic illness. As a passionate storyteller, I exchange information with striking examples and personal experiences. Hopefully you are able to better empathise with my situation. And with that of many others...
![Ńew moon [photo: JB]](http://www.jochemverdonk.nl/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/field/image/new-moon-by-JB-small.jpg?itok=C1k-baXN "Ńew moon [photo: JB]")
On a cold Saturday in January I drive back home after a pleasant evening with friends. I drive that route more often and I know the way like the back of my hand. In any case, the road mainly goes straight on, straight on and then even further straight on. This evening, that is especially convenient…
For more than 20 years I have been listening to people, thinking along with them and giving advice about possibilities. Setting up my own coaching practice was a logical next step. I found that thrilling, but I was also very excited. Until life decided otherwise…
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is to raise awareness that people with disabilities often are seen as pitiful or ‘broken’. Too often we are thought about as we need to be fixed, and if that isn’t possible wehey need to be taken care of. This attitude towards people with disabilities turns us into marginalised people.
When I became chronically ill, I had no idea I would end up in a new world. A world with its own rules, its own standards and even its own jargon. Where groups usually come up with these things themselves, in Disability Country these are imposed by society. In this column you will read four words that apply especially to people with disabilities.
An article about hidden poverty in the context of the Day of Hidden Poverty.
Seven years ago I suddenly became chronically ill. My life changed completely in one fell swoop. An accident never comes alone, because I could no longer work and ended up on welfare benefit – and that was my biggest disability. Living in poverty is degrading and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy! Rescue came completely unexpectedly.
The Special Mobile 4 Days was held in Meijel from 25 to 29 July. Wheelchair users Dieuwertje and Jochem participated with their electric add-on bikes. “It was great fun. Beautiful routes, beautiful environment and warm people. We will participate again next year!”
About 2% of people with ME develops very severe ME. These are the people who are in bed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Who can't do anything anymore. Who lie in a dark room, because normal daylight is overwhelming. Who wear headphones, because everyday noises are too much.
For more than 25 years, Jochem Verdonk has been involved in all kinds of interest groups for people with a disability or chronic illness. Despite all the differences, he also sees important similarities. Organising meetings for peers is such an similarity. What makes peer contact special?
Sometimes I have a good day and I go outside incognito. Then I'm a roller who is walking. A roller in disguise, so to speak. That is a disconcerting experience, which shows me again how easily I have become used to the privilege of being a roller.
Several years ago I came upon the path of paganism. It appealed to me and now I consider myself a pagan. Not long after I decided I wanted to go “into the (pagan) teaching”, I became chronically ill. My illness comes with some disabilities, which changes my path unexpectedly.