A change in attitude may open doors and our minds
By Allan Appel
Saturday, April 5, 2008




What do you think is the biggest barrier for people with disabilities?

Maybe it’s doorways too narrow for a wheelchair. Or maybe it’s entryways with stairs with no ramp in sight. Or what about merchandise that obstructs a store’s aisles where customers use assistive devices such as canes or walkers?

The answer is: “none of the above.”

The underlying common denominator of all these examples stems from people’s attitudes.

Those attitudes are derived from a whole host of misconceptions about living with a disability.

One of the most prevalent examples is the notion of wheelchair users being “wheelchair bound.” Nothing could be further from the truth. For a nonambulatory person, a wheelchair is a kind of passport to freedom. We use a wheelchair like an able-bodied person utilizes a bicycle. A wheelchair is merely an assistive device that allows us to get around.

Many consider people with disabilities as being brave or courageous.

What nonsense!

Those of us with physical or learning disabilities must constantly adapt to our lifestyle. This includes every aspect of that lifestyle, just as nondisabled people must adapt to their own individual situations and limitations. It’s known as making your way through life. We try to take advantage of all life has to offer and likewise to deal with and overcome whatever obstacles are encountered. That’s a far cry from being brave or courageous.

Our lives are not that much different from those of people without disabilities. We have all the same emotions and have similar aspirations for ourselves and our families. Speaking of families, we also have close, personal relationships and raise children, like anyone else. Our dreams are no different than those of most other people in similar economic and social circumstances.

Wheelchair users are not all chronically ill. Many people use wheelchairs for temporary ambulatory problems or for other mobility issues not related to a serious medical condition.

Children should also not be discouraged from exercising their natural curiosity about a person’s disability. Typically, children are deterred from engaging a disabled person and asking about his or her condition. This could lead children to think disability is a bad thing. I have always welcomed such encounters with children. It’s the unfounded embarrassment of their parents that should be curbed.

Allan Appel writes a biweekly column about disabilities. He can be reached c/o Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, e-mail at aappel223@yahoo.com.

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/apr/...and-our-minds/