A Holiday Encounter

Yesterday, an encounter while selecting a Christmas tree with my family really got me thinking.

As I was pushing my son in a shopping cart, a little girl around 8 years old approached me and said, “I’m sorry you are in a wheelchair. I feel really bad for you.” Her mother rushed over in an apology. I replied, “No problem and thank you for thinking about me. Have a great holiday.”

I wasn’t mad or upset by the little girl coming up to me. It is the innocence of children that leads to this type of encounter. I never mind engaging with kids on their curiosities of me being in a wheelchair. Their questions will help them build a better understanding of those different than them, and, hopefully, build a better acceptance of all people.

But, I kept thinking about the little girl feeling so bad about seeing me in a wheelchair. Even though I was happy by all accounts yesterday, spending quality time with family, my wheelchair is a societal sign of something negative. Is it possible to see a wheelchair as a symbol of something other than brokenness?

For me, it’s very easy to see my chair as something wonderful because my wheelchair empowers me to do the things that bring meaning and happiness to my life. But, for society and the average person, why is the wheelchair a symbol of sickness, injury, sadness, dependence, brokenness, less than? What can we do to change this perception? I don’t want children feeling bad for me solely based on seeing me wheel around. I don’t want strangers to think that they should pray for me solely because I’m not walking. I don’t want Uber drivers to turn me away solely because they see my wheelchair.

I see ALL the positivity a wheelchair has to offer because it is my lifeline to a happy, fulfilling life. But, how can others (my peers/adults too, not just children) see it in this way? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this! Please share your thoughts so the disability community and able-bodied community can begin to speak the same language!