Change in Thinking

Dear Bailey,

I'm glad that you are learning about people with disabilities, and that you believe you are a smarter person because of it. I'm not exactly sure what question it is you wanted to ask of me. I will do my best to attempt to answer what it is I think you wanted to know.

I stopped walking when I was 14 years old right after my spinal surgery. However, I got my first wheelchair was I was 8 years old. I used this wheelchair to play outside with my sister and friends, but when I was inside I would walk around. This is because my muscles would become very tired from walking a lot, so it was helpful to have a wheelchair outside where the games often involved walking, running, or moving around a great deal. Before I had my wheelchair, I had to think about how far I needed to walk and if there were places I could rest along the way. I had to keep in mind that I fell down a lot easier than other kids and couldn't play some of the same games, such as tag or sports.

When I got my wheelchair, and even now when I am able to use my wheelchair all day long (outside and inside), I don't need to consider the length of travel. I could roll down the sidewalk in my wheelchair without getting tired. I could play tag with my friends because I wouldn't fall down if they tagged my arm too rough.

However, now that I am a wheelchair user I have to think about other things: Are the places I want to go accessible? Does the bus have a ramp or lift to get me on? What accommodations will I need to ask for? Will my friends who are blind or Deaf need accommodations or special access, too? How can I ask for these accommodations? I didn't have to think about these things without a wheelchair.

Most of the change in my thinking is related to accessibility and disability. It is easier for me to think about these topics because I live it every day. I hope that with Disabilities Awareness Month and this blog you all will begin to think about accessibility and disabilities more often, so that all people with be accepted just as who they are and we will all be equal human beings.