My son is in a wheelchair. Actually, right now he’s in a specialist pram but he will be in a self-propelling wheelchair within the next month.
When we go out, we face the stares of anyone we pass already so I know that’s only going to become more obvious to us when he’s in a self-propelling wheelchair (the one with the big wheels at the back!)
But you know what, I would stare too.
It’s what we do! We see something different and we look because, well, it’s different!
I just wanted to write to say that I don’t mind the stares, the looking doesn’t bother me and it certainly doesn’t bother my son, he loves the attention!
I wanted to write to tell people not to be ashamed for looking, don’t feel embarrassed or rude when I you notice that I have caught you looking. Instead of shying away though, wave hello!
No one enjoys the feeling that people are talking about them in secret, whether it be good or bad. Don’t whisper, don’t wonder…
Come and ask questions if you have any!
My view of wheelchairs rapidly evolved when I became a parent of a child with a physical disability. I used to think of wheelchair users as “wheelchair bound”.
But I now realise this term is often insulting to those people who enjoy the freedoms that their chair gives them, even whilst society continues to place barriers and challenges for wheelchair users, being in a wheelchair is NOT a bad thing!
I don’t want anyone feeling sorry for my son because he’s in a wheelchair and I know for a fact that he wouldn’t want that too!
Because there’s nothing “wrong” with him.
He’s an extremely happy child and has the most infectious smile. He is very clever and makes friends very easily!
I don’t mind your stares but I would love for you to come and say hello too.
I am more than happy to answer any questions you have and I can guarantee you’ll walk away with a smile!
My son is in a wheelchair and that’s ok.