Don't Make My Disability Taboo

WARNING: This may be a matter of personal opinion, but this is my blog and my opinion.

Often times I find myself being asked by children what is wrong with me, or what happened to me. Sometimes they whisper their questions to their parents instead of asking me directly. No matter what way these children ask, they are almost always hushed by their parents. I always tell the parents it is okay, and then try to explain why I use a wheelchair to get around. My explanation varies depending on the child's age. I want children as well as adults to know that it is okay to use different ways to get around. Some people walk. Some people limp. Some people roll. 

So parents, please do not hush your child when they are just trying to understand. It is one thing to ask why I am in a wheelchair because you are being nosy, but most children are just trying to comprehend the wheelchair. I truly feel that by shushing your child, when they are asking about one's disability, that you are adding to the stigma that people with disabilities are not normal human beings. 

Some people may not be okay with talking about their disability, but that is where you as a parent step in and explain disabilities to your child. Explain to them that some people cannot walk, so they use a cool device to help them get around. Explain to them that some people look different, but they still deserve to be treated with kindness. Explain to them that it is okay to be different. Explain to them that a disability can happen to anybody, so it is important to treat everyone with the same amount of kindness and respect. 

My disability is not silent or hidden, so please do not keep it silent or hidden from your child. You never know, by me explaining my disability to your curious child they may then spread the word to their friends. That child in their school who is a little bit different may then be accepted into a new group of friends. We are all unique in our own ways, but don't make my uniqueness a taboo.