I've just read the article and its so true isnt it.....when i have been out in my chair people in shops have talked to my mom instead of me..not often but occasionally. I wonder if this is more the case when someone is being pushed in a chair by an assistant or family member/carer?
I self wheel so maybe people see more independence and think you can think for yourself also? it's all wrong.....
Yes, its a sad misconception DJ and Butiki that many people seem to hold when it comes to the 'disabled' person.
I think we can work ourselves towards changing this view by displaying a positive and confident outlook and being good role models. This is the best learning and lesson that we can give to anyone and makes the best difference.
If i feel im going to be ignored when i use my chair or someone is going to over assist me then i make sure that i take control and be confident and friendly and show that i am switched on and able'. Of course if i need help then sure, its good to ask..why struggle..dont we have enough struggles without creating additional ones for the sake of pride or stubbornness.
Its just a definition lonewolf...but only we, ourselves as individuals have the power to define ourselves.
We are all individuals..but that said....there is a need for a literal label for practical and necessary purposes.
definitions need to be vaporized ..... labelling, classifying, stratifying ..... what purpose does it serve? The supposed able-bodied purpose.
lonewolf..although nobody like labels they can serve a very good purpose...
For example....Autism...without diagnosis is too complex to deal with for family members without that label. That label opens up a way forward, like a signpost and also a world of understanding and support. Without that label...the difficulties for the family and the individual are to complex to deal with.....so a label can serve good purpose.
Once the label is given, thats it..forget the definition..its only there for practical purpose.
As for myself...im classed as disabled..does that offend me?..errm no......not at all..because i am many things and not a single one can truly define who i am.
Perceptions on what disabled is...we can change by being good role models
Post by kilg0retr0ut on Dec 8, 2013 8:03:40 GMT -8
Well I'm going to try it out for the second time today. This may be wrong and I feel really weird about the whole thing. Booktrout has been trying to get me in those little carts so I can zip around the stores and conserve the energy I have in my legs. I refuse, kinda like not parking in a handicap parking spot, although I have a placard. Until now I basically just push my legs each day till they're smoked. Well while shopping two days ago at a thrift shop I sat down in one of there wheelchairs and decided to check it out by sitting in it while shopping. What a different view. Anyways I bought the chair for $10.00 and figured since the doctors all tell me I'm going to be in one maybe I should learn how to operate one. There is a craft show today (yuk) Booktrout wants to go check out. I still have lots of work to do on the house so I'd rather save my legs for that. Doing laps around a craft show would normally wipe me out for the day. So the plan is for me to try the chair at the show. I feel really uncomfortable about this. What do you guys think?
Well I'm going to try it out for the second time today. This may be wrong and I feel really weird about the whole thing. Booktrout has been trying to get me in those little carts so I can zip around the stores and conserve the energy I have in my legs. I refuse, kinda like not parking in a handicap parking spot, although I have a placard. Until now I basically just push my legs each day till they're smoked. Well while shopping two days ago at a thrift shop I sat down in one of there wheelchairs and decided to check it out by sitting in it while shopping. What a different view. Anyways I bought the chair for $10.00 and figured since the doctors all tell me I'm going to be in one maybe I should learn how to operate one. There is a craft show today (yuk) Booktrout wants to go check out. I still have lots of work to do on the house so I'd rather save my legs for that. Doing laps around a craft show would normally wipe me out for the day. So the plan is for me to try the chair at the show. I feel really uncomfortable about this. What do you guys think?
kilg0retr0ut....take your chair and enjoy your day out. You sound very similar to me...i prefer to walk tbh but the power goes in my legs after some time and the next day i need to take it a little easier.
I have learnt now that if i want to go out to somewhere that needs a lot of walking, then my chair it is..i dont want to lose out no more.
Dont take the doctors literally...be wise and manage your mobility now and you will save your upright mobility for longer.
Use your chair when you go out and keep your walking for at home when you are pottering about or just need to pop into a shop quickly or go into a bar (for example)
Post by kilg0retr0ut on Dec 8, 2013 8:21:18 GMT -8
Thanks Lara, your right and it makes sense in my head. But I just picture running into someone I know and not knowing what to say or how to explain. Most people in my little town think I'm just fine. They don't see the CES part of my life besides the limp. In fact many think I'm just a burden on society, collecting they're hard earned tax dollars.
Well I'm going to try it out for the second time today. This may be wrong and I feel really weird about the whole thing. Booktrout has been trying to get me in those little carts so I can zip around the stores and conserve the energy I have in my legs. I refuse, kinda like not parking in a handicap parking spot, although I have a placard. Until now I basically just push my legs each day till they're smoked. Well while shopping two days ago at a thrift shop I sat down in one of there wheelchairs and decided to check it out by sitting in it while shopping. What a different view. Anyways I bought the chair for $10.00 and figured since the doctors all tell me I'm going to be in one maybe I should learn how to operate one. There is a craft show today (yuk) Booktrout wants to go check out. I still have lots of work to do on the house so I'd rather save my legs for that. Doing laps around a craft show would normally wipe me out for the day. So the plan is for me to try the chair at the show. I feel really uncomfortable about this. What do you guys think?
If the only way to go out and preserve your leg energy is by using a scooter, I say go for it! I always like using my manual chair because I find it comfortable and makes me feel more "able" but if I know that I'll be outdoors a lot, I'll take my power chair!
Thanks Lara, your right and it makes sense in my head. But I just picture running into someone I know and not knowing what to say or how to explain. Most people in my little town think I'm just fine. They don't see the CES part of my life besides the limp. In fact many think I'm just a burden on society, collecting they're hard earned tax dollars.
If that's what they think of you, you can tell them to off!
Thanks Lara, your right and it makes sense in my head. But I just picture running into someone I know and not knowing what to say or how to explain. Most people in my little town think I'm just fine. They don't see the CES part of my life besides the limp. In fact many think I'm just a burden on society, collecting they're hard earned tax dollars.
kilg0retr0ut....i understand how you feel but this is your life and you have the right to access what you need and want to with your family..without discomfort.
Try not to let your concerns for what other people may think affect your own quality of life..this becomes more 'disabling' than the actual CES.
You will find that almost everyone in life are mostly interested in themselves..after they have seen you...they soon move on to their next thought..its human nature. Go in your chair and hold your head proud and smile...and be confident....think of yourself and enjoy your time with your family....