Things I Do

Dear Emmanuel,

I can do almost everything any other person can do. Sometimes I do these things in a different way, but I can still complete the task. For example, I may not be able to walk or run using my legs but my power wheelchair can walk for me. I can go very fast in my wheelchair and it is similar to running. Most people with disabilities use technologies for assistance. These things are called adaptive equipment. Adaptive equipment helps us to adapt to situations when our bodies cannot do it alone. Many people with disabilities also use other people for help. We hire them to meet us during the day to do things with us. These people are called attendants. My attendants help me to move from my bed to my wheelchair, dry my hair, reach things in my kitchen cabinets, and help me in many areas of life.

One thing I can do that the average person cannot do is play power soccer! You must have a disability to play power soccer.

I usually entertain myself in ways similar to you or your friends. I like to use the Internet, text on my cell phone, hang out with my friends, and listen to music. Remember: people with disabilities are people first. We have similar interests as non-disabled people and enjoy the same kinds of activities.

When I go out, maneuvering through crowds can sometimes be difficult. People often do not see me because they do not always look down. You are not very tall when you sit down all the time! It's also difficult to see where I'm going when there are crowds everywhere and I cannot see over their heads. I will have my friends or husband help me by asking people to move out of my way.