There have been many advances as far as the disabled are concerned but yet many things stay the same, I can only share my experiences and observations, here's one example, when we went out to eat and the server asked Bob what he would like, Bob gave his order and then the server asked him, without looking at me, "what would she like? Hello I'm right here! Bob's reply was " I don't know, ask her". Just because my leg doesn't work doesn't mean I can't give my order! Also when I use my power chair and I am in a crowd, people try to get in front of me because they think I'm too slow, I'm slow because you're in my way and I don't want to run over your foot! Sometimes when I am in front of them,they don't see me, like I'm invisible, do me a favor and look down! It is truly an exercise in patience for me. Some advice from someone with inside information, when you see someone in a power chair, if it's not a store scooter, get out of the way and let them by, it's faster then you can walk. The chairs that are provided in the store are made to go slow on purpose. Most who use them are not used to driving them, those are the ones you need to watch out for,there's a very good chance your foot could get run over.
If someone has a problem with speech, that does not mean they are mentally challenged, so don't talk down to them with a baby voice. Even if they are mentally challenged, please don't use that baby voice. We all want to be treated with kindness and respect, not someone to be stared at or pointed at, that's just rude!
My advice, take the time to say hello and smile, it could be just what someone needs to make their day better. That goes for everyone, disabled or not. For me when I tell someone that I had polio and their reaction is a look of pity and "I am so sorry " why are you sorry?, you're not living with it. I'm sorry too, but I'm way past that and I have learned to accept and move on. My reply is"no need to be sorry." I have lived a happy and full life, attitude is everything. Treating everyone with kindness and respect goes a long way. We are all having struggles whether we have disabilities or not.
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Call Me Patty
Historia CortaMy story of living with polio and the people that influenced my life. Growing up in the fifties and sixties with a disability and trying to fit into a world designed for those without limitations and overcoming the many challenges that come with tha...
