Friend Trouble

[freakyfemme]

In some American cities, the local government provides transportation for disabled people.  I would assume that they have similar programs in Canada as well.  It may be worth it for the OP's friend to see if she qualifies for such a program.  Of course, she may need to be evaluated by a doctor before she can enroll in such a program.

 

Do you think they'd even have it for people like me?  I'm not visibly disabled by any stretch, and, like I said, there are some areas that I actually have an advantage over other people (like music, for instance), but the fact remains that my left brain doesn't function nearly up to par.

[Bethalize]

Do you think they'd even have it for people like me?  I'm not visibly disabled by any stretch, and, like I said, there are some areas that I actually have an advantage over other people (like music, for instance), but the fact remains that my left brain doesn't function nearly up to par.

If you have medical evidence that you are unable to do something such as drive or more importantly that you are disqualified from doing that thing then it is likely you will meet the criteria for qualification.

[Spring Water on Sundays]

The thing is, I know there *will* be emergencies at times, though, and I'd hate for people to think less of me for having to ask for a hand in those cases.  But, I plan on reciprocating as best I can, by maybe inviting the people who help me out over for dinner, babysitting their kids, bringing them Powerade and Halls when they're sick, or just whatever they'd like best. 

I don't think any decent person would think less of you for asking for help in an emergency. And as long as you're grateful for the help (and it sounds like you are), I don't see how a real friend could ever hold such a thing against you. 

The woman that the OP is talking about seems to believe that the OP should drop whatever she's doing to chauffer her around because she doesn't feel like waiting for her husband to come home or paying for a taxi.

[JoyinVirginia]

My Aunt Sue never could drive. Her husband traveled for his work also. So - she got rides with friends and relatives when it was convenient for THEM.
Joy in Virginia

[Hawkwatcher]

Do you think they'd even have it for people like me?  I'm not visibly disabled by any stretch, and, like I said, there are some areas that I actually have an advantage over other people (like music, for instance), but the fact remains that my left brain doesn't function nearly up to par.

I agree with Bethalize and that it is very likely that you could use this service provided it is available in your area.  You may have to present some paperwork to the those in charge to qualify.  In any case, it never hurts to ask.

[Slartibartfast]

Freakyfemme, in my state you have to prove you are medically unable to drive (as opposed to just don't want to) - if you can get a doctor to sign the sheet saying you're better off not being behind the wheel, you qualify.  I don't think there's any one national group, so you may have to look up your local area's disability/rehabilitation center and ask.  HandiCare and Accessiblity Inc. are two "chains" I know are in multiple places, but I can't find a centralized presence for either of them.

[Twik]

freakyfemme, if you live in an area with good bus or other public transport systems, take heart. If you can get most places you're going to by transit, you'll save tons of money over owning your own car (you have no idea how expensive that is until you do it). Out of those savings, put some by in a safe place at home to cover emergency taxis. You'll still come out ahead.

[blarg314]

In situations like this, a lot of what counts is someone's attitude.  There's a big difference between a situation where you calling a friend in an emergency, or having a standing arrangement where you carpool somewhere, when the person getting the rides is grateful, offers to help pay for gas, and takes other options when they are possible, and provides other useful things to the friendship, and someone who demands chauffeuring on the spur of the moment for convenience rather than necessity, is snotty when the driver is unable to come, and is only in the friendship for free rides.  One is being good to your friends, the other is mooching.

[vols4life98]

She has offered to pay for as. I have offered to take her to go get her D.L. I think she does not want to tell her DH she wants to drive b/c they can't affored another car. I told her to call trans-aid the day before she need to go somewhere. Hopefully she will et on some meds soon.