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.

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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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QUESTION: I don't agree with what you just said  people do listen when you talk obviously they just find it hard to understand do thats why they ask you politely "sorry i don't understand, could you repeat what you've just said?"...

YES ... somebody already told me that "they think you can't do your job because of your cleft palate".  -  what do you think im doing here? but thanks for your effort to answer my question. NO OFFENSE.  

Answer
To be honest if you were standing in front of me I would knock that chip of your shoulder! It is obvious that we come from two different perspectives. I had difficulty speaking into my  teen years. It would frustrate me to repeat what I said. That lead to many fights, most of which I won. If it wasn't for sports I would of had no outlet for aggression. My only saving grace came in the form of a gift I didn't know I had. That gift was the ability to sing. When I sang it was almost as the cleft palate disappeared. I still have people who don't listen attentively. You may be the lucky one that has the attention of everyone!

If in fact someone told you you couldn't do your job  because of your speech then you could file a claim under the disabilities act of 1990. Document EVERYTHING!! Best of luck.

You don't need to respond to this. Thank you!