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About John Craig
Expertise
I have been disabled since birth. I was diagnosed with cleft palate and ADD. Early test results indicated I was boderline mentally retarded. In the 70's the testing was very subjective and did not take into consideration different learning styles. I have been beaten up, ridiculed, and made an example of by bullys as well as so called experts. My guidance counselor went as far as to meet with my parents before my senior year and tell them I would be lucky to get a job at McDonalds. So at age 49 with 4 degrees under my belt (A.A.S Occupational Therapy, B.P.S Recreational Therapy, B.S./M.S. Occupational Therapy) and over 28 years of working with disabled individuals I think I have beat the odds. I am familiar with ADA, school services, as well as hollistic medicine.

Experience
28 Years of experience as a Recreational / Occupational Therapist working both in the private and public sector with varying disabilities.

Organizations
AOTA

Publications
National Library of Congress- The Effect of Special Olympic Training on Grip Strength in the Metally Retarded

Education/Credentials
AAS Erie Community College - Occupational Therapy BPS Brockposrt State - Recreational Therapy BS/MS D'Youville College- Occupational Therapy

Awards and Honors
Leadership award - Erie Community College Outstanding Student Award - Erie Community College Winifred Craddock Award ( Outstanding Recreation Student) Brockport Pinicale Non- Traditional Student Honor Society - D'Youville

You are here: Experts > News/Issues > Disability Issues > Living With Disabilities > Is Cleft Palate disability?

Living With Disabilities - Is Cleft Palate disability?

Expert: John Craig - 11/7/2009

Question
QUESTION: I was born with cleft palate but up to this point of age I'm not sure where should I belong. Is cleft palate disability? As for employment purposes question such as "Do You Have Disability?" I don't know how to answer that question. From the way, I understand We are normal but not really because we have cleft palate. We are disable but again not really because we can talk. Can you help explain this to me and make things clear I'm really confused. And if we really are disable how do we ask doctors letter to certified us that we are disabled just tell him? please advise.

ANSWER: This is a doubled edged sword. Cleft palate in and of itself is not a disability per se. It becomes a disability if it impairs your ability to communicate. A doctor can certify that you have a cleft palate, but like I asked, does it impair your ability to work. I hope this helps.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I'm not sure if I fully understands you... I know some people who had cleft palate could talk very clear because their cleft palate was corrected at early ages (which I envy) but as for me, mine was never corrected. I didn't even like how I sound but whatelse can I do I have cleft palate. About the question you were asking me my answer is somewhat yes .... because some people can understand me and some people don't... So where should I position myself

Answer
I have the same situation. If I think the person isn't listen I tell them to. You need to be assertive in what you do. If your cleft doesn't affect your ability to work it is a hindrance not a disability. It will only become a disability IF they tell you you can't do a job cause you talk funny. Your call on what to do. Live with it and move forward or have a doctor sign off for your piece of mind. Either way you do it the bottom line is what you are and where you go are up to YOU!

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