I’m very excited about my new wheelchair coming but talking to other people about what I’m getting and why and how wheelchair services works has been interesting.
There’s been a definite difference between how other disabled people have taken the news of what chair I’m getting (generally very positive) and how able-bodied people have taken the details of what chair I’m getting (quite negative but in a way that I suspect they think is supportive). At times this has been frustrating and even difficult. I won’t go into any more details because this isn’t meant to be a criticism of anyone or anything.
It’s been eye opening and it’s something that I have been thinking about a lot as there are parallels to a situation I see at CAB often but I’ve never really got before now. I still don’t think I get it but I can see how and why it happens more now.
I think able-bodied people tend to think of it as you needing more support because degeneration, whereas disabled see it as a new set of wheels like getting a better car.
If someone is not disabled or hasn’t lived with/cared for a disabled person they do not understand the mindset of most disabled people.
It’s just like a social difference and a little bit of unintended ignorance.
Congrats on the new wheels x
Quite have to agree with Joanne.