A Medical Disability Card

[tex]

I agree. The last thing any MC patient needs is to race to a counter in a store, pull out their card and hand it to an employee, only to have to stand and wait while he or she initiates a search to try to locate their glasses so that they can read the small print.

Besides, there is a negative subconscious association with small print in general. Most people associate small print with legal mumbo-jumbo, disclaimers, and information in general that no one is expected to actually read because it's usually incomprehensible anyway. So most people are subconsciously suspicious of small print, by default. They associate small print with trying to hide the facts.

Print that's large enough that it's obviously intended to be read and understood is much more likely to convey an impression of trust and respect, especially when it's in plain, clear language.

Tex

[Bketler1]

I definitely want one and let me know how to send a donation - I am willing to help offset costs, not because I am rolling in money (which I am NOT) but because this is important to me. Tex, you are so awesome there are no words in my vocabulary to tell you how much your hard work means to me. A zillion thanks from me and yes, I still consider myself a newbie as my intestines tell me every day how screwed up I still am.

Hugs to everyone who helped on this project. This group is stunningly AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ditto!!!

[brandy]

Tex,

The last thing any MC patient needs is to race to a counter in a store, pull out their card and hand it to an employee, only to have to stand and wait while he or she initiates a search to try to locate their glasses so that they can read the small print.

Besides, there is a negative subconscious association with small print in general. Most people associate small print with legal mumbo-jumbo, disclaimers, and information in general that no one is expected to actually read because it's usually incomprehensible anyway. So most people are subconsciously suspicious of small print, by default. They associate small print with trying to hide the facts.

Print that's large enough that it's obviously intended to be read and understood is much more likely to convey an impression of trust and respect, especially when it's in plain, clear language.

Agree with all of this. Yes I like the last one with the big print.

I'm having a lot of second thoughts about using the term "hazmat". Problem with that is the negative association with things like Ebola, Zikka, strange diseases etc. I'm envisioning handing card to an employee, they seeing the term hazmat and deciding they need to call their boss who is off site. i.e. delaying access to bathroom for MCer.

[Bketler1]

I like the large print of the last one too but whatever the majority thinks. I'll probably just throw my card at someone anyway and run frantically thru the place in search of the restroom lol

They can follow me if need be!

[tex]

I'm having a lot of second thoughts about using the term "hazmat". Problem with that is the negative association with things like Ebola, Zikka, strange diseases etc. I'm envisioning handing card to an employee, they seeing the term hazmat and deciding they need to call their boss who is off site. i.e. delaying access to bathroom for MCer.

I agree that's definitely a valid concern. So what wording do we want? The original phrase of:

Any delay can be extremely unpleasant for everyone involved.

or something like

Any delay might result in a very unpleasant and demeaning accident.

Any delay could cause . . .

Any delay could lead to . . .

or?

Tex

[gac]

I thing the wording "Any delay can be extremely unpleasant for everyone involved" would do it without the hazmat word. Oh, if they only knew how awful it could be if they delayed us..................................

I agree with Becky, if someone delays me, I will throw my card on a desk or counter and run looking for that bathroom. The last accident I had in Kroger (grocery store) I had about 10 seconds warning and raced for the bathroom - the women's was in use and I used the men's (I don't care). So chances are we don't have time for these people to read a card unless we have great muscle control.

gail

[Bketler1]

I like ....

"Any delay can be extremely unpleasant for everyone involved"

[LauraAnn]

How about "any delay would be extremely........" . No maybe about it (lol).

Laura

[crervin]

I'm with laura, no maybe about it.

Thank you so Tex for all your time and knowlege! You have helped so many people!

[tex]

How about these versions with revised wording for the front of the card?








Tex

[Tishwales]

I like the red coloring. Perhaps it's because it helps portray the urgency.

[gac]

I like the red coloring and I like it with all of the logos on the front of the card. (the 2nd choice).

[Martha]

I like the revised wording, with less for people to read. Mention of the ADA should be enough clout, without Ally's Law.

My first inclination is to say no to the red lettering, but that's a reaction caused by years in Asia, where red lettering is considered rude. When I stop to think of it in a Western context, the red lettering does make the important parts stand out and conveys urgency, as Tishwales said.

Martha

[tex]

Thanks for all the insight, opinions, and suggestions. We're getting there, slowly but surely.

I'm working on a design that can be used in other countries either by residents or by U. S. citizens visiting there. Obviously the wording will have to be based on something other than the ADA and Ally's Law. But this optional design will be in addition to the one we already have that's almost ready for prime time. It won't replace the original card, though I suppose it could if someone preferred the design. Maybe we should leave off the red ink on the second card.

Tex

[Gabes-Apg]

Tex, i have started researching wording that will work for Aus etc..