I've seen a few postings about registering in the US, but haven't seen anything about the UK.

If not, I'll try out the process and let you know!

When you say 'register as disabled' is this an official government classification, or something else?

There are many angles to this - I would think in most countries you would be eligible for some kind of unemployment or sickness benefit if you have to give up your job due to SD. You might also have some work-related insurance type scheme you or your employer has paid into. Here in NZ when I had to take medical retirement from teaching due to SD part of the deal was that my Government superannuation paid me a medical retirement benefit. Another issue is to what extent your SD impacts on your occupation and your ability to perform the tasks involved.

There's no doubt SD is a disability, but it's not a visible one - and what people can't see they find hard to relate to. There are degrees of disability too - when I walk past a disabled/handicapped parking space I think "Hey, I should be able to park there" but then I think again and realise I'm lucky I'm not allowed to.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

I thought I knew a little about what you call the *process of registering as disabled* here in the US (because I read alot and talked to several people who told me I wasn't eligible since I could still work up until recently) but now that I'm going through the process, it appears I didn't know much at all.

The initial thing (both in the US and UK or anywhere) is to have a doctor willing to document what you can/can't do which might classify you as disabled, thus unable to work or unable to hold your career job. Since my SD surgery, I know I'm protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (speaking and breathing problems) but my doctor has never written me a note, despite three requests, so I have just managed to deal with the companies I've worked for, appealing to their good graces (to let me have flex hours and sit closest to the speaker-phone, giving me a microphone, etc.). Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Gave up my last job because they required me to walk 5 blocks up a huge SF hill to get to my desk, every day during the height of the frenzied commute, and I was unable to do it and still work, when I got there. Less than a month with that company.

The *registration* process here (according to folks who have been through it before me, giving special credit to Micheal Paulson on this BB - I learned alot from him) involves going through the proper governmental procedures. Department of Rehabilitation (DOR in California, but known as the Dept of Vocational Rehab in other areas) and the Social Security Administration (what is a similar body called there?). For someone who can't talk, these agencies can be so daunting. My DOR coordinator still hasn't called me back, after almost two months. I think she thinks I'm nuts, because I sound so bad.

I hope your process in the UK (and your personal SD case, for that matter) is more streamlined than our red-tape laden one across the pond and not as complicated as my SD history (12 years of gradual downhill). The way it should work is to get your doctor letters/records documenting your case and go through the available government channels. Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork. Over here, they almost always turn you down the first time. But, if you are really disabled and if you really can't work, someday/sometime they will approve you. That may constitute *registration.* I know of a few cases lately, who have been approved and that really encourages me.

Looking forward to hearing your tales, Roger. Best of luck in what can be a very frustrating process.