I liked this article. It's really important to understand that 'those people' usually can do lots of things if they are given a fair chance. My younger daughter worked for 4 years for an organisation whose 'clients' all had developmental and/or physical problems. One of her particular favourites expressed a desire to learn to drive but no one had ever really heard him until my daughter did, and said 'why not?'. She brought the booklet of road rules and regs to work and every day they had a few minutes of study. Once he achieved his learner's permit, she was able to wheedle driving lessons for him from a sympathetic (but sceptical) administrator. By year's end he had his driving licence and had found work outside the sheltered workshop to which he had been consigned for years, was earning a real wage, and contemplating getting a place to live outside the family home.

I once volunteered for very high-profile charity. I was under instruction that, if I ever met one of my clients in the street in the normal course of daily activity, I was not to acknowledge them.

That's right - no 'Hello, how are you?' Make no eye contact. Just move on.

Interaction is only reserved for our one-on-one contacts and the practicalities of the client's needs. In the real world, the relationship officially does not exist.

We were also instructed to explain this rule to our clients, to 'avoid embarrassment'.What better way to make the needy feel ashamed of their neediness? Suffice to say, I didn't last long as a volunteer.

As someone recently partially disabled. Five fractured vertebrae, topped off with a hemorrhagic stroke, I need help!

! I manage my meals, shopping (Stand aside or lose a limb) managing my money and personal hygiene and not much else! The help I get is very rationed, inadequate and on a timetable I have to fit in with as does the other clients, who would otherwise lose the final remnants of our independance!

I walk with the aid of sticks or if in a (oops, oops) hurry, with wheels!

A couple of days ago I got stuck between a largely unnecessary, I thought, parking control concrete curb divider and my open car door. A very kind gentleman approached and offered to help. I exasperated with my tangled feet that refused to cooperate!

Snarled, you can help by shifting that unmentionable, unrepeatable, deleted expletive concrete lump!

Well, I'm well known for my usual tolerance and endless good natured humor!

And someone very like that Gentleman may well have thought after that encounter; that carers and helpers are to be publically commended for doing completely thankless work?

I'd in medals on them one and all, after handing over huge Christmas bonuses and hampers! Well I can still dream!

The people who assist me with my needs are absolute angels for whom there just are enough superlatives, allow me to manage what I still can!

God love and bless them and you Sarah!
Alan B.

Killarney; interesting rule love, where were you working at the time? Nazi Germany You know, the place, vere dey hafe vays ov maging dew enchoy yourzelve! Jawol?
Cheers, Alan.

When I am in the doctor's office, the grocers (do they have such things these days?), the bakers, getting a coffee, I never get asked what I do. I doubt anyone does these days, particularly given the short time one is on such places and, with the general fear and suspicion abroad in Western society, you are lucky to get a smile from anyone. Ever tried to be friendly to a stranger recently?

"You are such a good person" Come on Ms, Burrage, you are living in a fictional dream world. If anyone cared that you were in the 'not-for-profit' sector, they would be thinking about their taxes going down the toilet.

Your unadorned self-congratulation is sickening.

Sarah

Does anyone voluntarily pay for your services with their own money?

Or is your 'social role valorisation' just a complete fake?