It's been about a year since I posted about children asking about people with disabilities, and I thought perhaps it was time to give a little update.
I became physically disabled in May, 2008. Since then, curious taxi drivers, tradies and the elderly have all asked me "what happened to you?" There has been blatant gawking, people who can't meet your eye, unsubtle whispering. A mother equated the disabled with the boogeyman, to her young curious son, in my earshot.
In the last year, however, on four separate occasions, I have been approached by children who have respectfully asked why I use a wheelchair. More exciting for me is that their parents are encouraging them to do so!
Four probably doesn't seem like much. But I live in a fairly conservative country area, so I can only assume it's more prevalent in more liberally minded areas.
Good on you all! I am pregnant with #2, and I am happy that it will be born in to a more accepting society than my first.
3 Replies
Yay, I love it when people ask questions about my son. It's a great opportunity to educate and give positive stories about disabilities.
Thank you for being so excepting of their curiosity.
My daughter at the time a very well speaking 2.5 year old was at the rta with me when I saw her watch through the window a man get out if his car into his wheelchair and her eyes follow him in, I new what was to follow and being a young first time mum wasn't quite used to kids and their honesty. She proceeded to ask me very loudly why that man wasn't walking, what is wrong with his legs mum? I tried to hush her thinking I would explain when I got her back to the car but she wouldn't let up. This lovely man (seeing my panic) came a little closer and to answer her... Sweetheart he said my legs don't work, I was hurt in a car (seeing the look of concern on her face he added) but I can still do everything everyone else does, I can drive my car, I can go swimming with someone there to help... Deep in thought my dd interrupts with I bet you can't ride a bike?!? Oh gosh I wish the ground could have swollowed me up but he just laughed and said no your right you got me there, my chairs kind of like a bike though and I get to use it all the time, everywhere. My little one was so impressed and satisfied with his answers and I was eternally grateful to this wonderful man for his understanding and sense of humor.
Needless to say it wasn't the last time my dd embarrassed me but she always had has great respect and understanding of those less abled.
my son is 10 months old and is FASINATED by wheelchairs!! anything with wheels he loves!! I was staying at a hotel recently where i was lucky enought to meet a paralympic basketball team, my son was mesmerised! I went and spoke to them, and told them he was fascinated and one man let him touch the wheels and put brightly coloured spokes on his wheels that he carries to make his wheelchair look cool for younger kids. my son was so excited!!! i honestly think it depends on the parents, my mum would of said to mr at that age "stop staring its rude, look away!" so society has changed!