Tales From A Wheelchair

So What That I Am In A Wheelchair...I Can Still Speak You Know!

I was in the soda asle at the local Wal-mart. A short blonde officer came down the asle with another woman who towered the officer. " Who are you with?" she asked me

I pointed at my fiance, Jose, who was at the sample table just behind the asle I was on tasting meatballs. "He is right there." I told her. Both ladies walked past me as if I were a dust collector and went straight to Jose.

The problem was that an hour earlier when Jose and I first arrived to Wal-mart I accidently let my wheelchair get away from me. I had hit a 2015 BMW with my wheelchair but we didn't realize I had hit the car. We had just seen the foot pedals turn up. Both Jose and I thought I had hurt my feet ( which can be very dangerous for a paralized person ). When we saw my feet were fine we were just relieved that we did not think to check the car. ( which we should have ).

The couple was very kind about it all. When they realized our situtation they actually dropped the whole thing but that was not the issue for me. The whole time they talked to Jose. It was as if they didn't think I cold carry on a conversation because six small wheels were now my feet. This would not be the last time this would happen.

Jose had an issue with his ex-wife and had to go to court. I went for moral support. Well when one goes into court in Columbus, one has to walk through a metal dectector. Then there is also the bag check they do. Because Colmbus, Ga is a big town there was a line of people. I handed Jose my purse and went off to the side to have the wand moved up and down on me. I knew I would set off the alarms because I have rods in my back.

" Who does she belong to? " the female bailiff asked.

Jose spoke up and said I was with him. He could see I was burning from the question. I felt like an unruly pet who had gotten off her leash but I did not say a word. I just did not want to hold up the other people. I let her run the wand over me. Sure enough my rods set it off. She did not ask me anything but directed her questions to Jose.

When they looked through my purse they found my meds, a can of pepsi, and a pack of crackers. It was asked why these things where in my purse. Jose went to answer and the female bailiff snapped at him to let me talk. I told her why I needed them but was thinking " Now you want to listen to me. "

Both times I was embarrassed and insulted. I maybe in a wheelchair but that does not mean I cannot speak. I have a sharp mind that is still in tack. I do not need to be treated like a pet or invisable. I need to be treated lke everyone else.

It is true I need a few accomdations made for me like special parking or being allowed to use my tablet instead of pen or paper ( my hands are still healing), that does not mean that I should be treated as if I am sub-human. I swear that sometimes I see people pulling their children closer when I come near as if I am a bad person because I am in a wheelchair.

Why do people treat disabed people this way? Why do they act as if we are pets or dangerous people? Most of us are just people who for what ever the reason are in wheelchairs. We are not a threat to others. We are just humans who want to be treated the same as everyone else.

Life is hard enough as it is to pile on more crap from narrow minded people. I can not speak for all disabled people but all I need is for others to realize for the most part I am the same as I use to be as a person. I just cannot walk anymore. I just need a little help.This is not the middle ages. I and many others who are disabled can accomplish a lot. So do not pity us. Just give us a chance to shine. You miight be surprised.