patelasaur

I'd say I struggled with that as a teenager but as I’ve become older I've talked to a lot more people living with it and are doing quite well. A couple have kids, one just had a grandchild. At this point, I know doing something with my life is possible so I believe I'm at a good place with my sense of identity and worth.

I’ve been playing a lot of Assassins Creed Odyssey

Thanks! I’d say the biggest challenge I have faced would have to be dealing with the stares and with the fact that some people will never look past my disability. When I first started using a wheelchair, I realized every time I entered a room, I realized every eye shot to me. I hated being in public during that time but over time I've learned to just ignore it. Sometimes I even stare back. It's not like I'm contagious.

For me personally, a normal hello like giving everyone else is perfect. Just staring isn’t the answer. It's also not a good idea to ask why we're using a wheelchair as soon as you say hello or at all unless there's a reason to. Also don't help us do something if we don't ask like pushing the wheelchair. For more interaction, treat us like you would everyone else. The most annoying thing is when people praise us for just being out and about. Like, "It's so great you're out today." Just because we use a wheelchair doesn't mean we don't go anywhere. So just keep in mind, just treat us like everyone else, many welcome the interaction but I obviously cannot speak for everyone who uses a wheelchair.

I prefer when a person stands for the most part. Whenever someone bends it feels like I’m being talked to like I'm a child. However my wheelchair has an elevator function where I can go higher about maybe 3 feet to be at a height of an average person. Not everyone is the same though. I'd say just ask what the person is comfortable with.