As a part-time wheelchair user, I have always been afraid that people will assume I cannot walk. Until college, I called my wheelchair a stroller, thinking the label was less likely to imply an inability to walk. I mostly used a mobility scooter at college, but had my wheelchair on hand. Referring to it as a wheelchair began subconsciously. My friends would understand that term more quickly than “stroller.” Later, I decided that “stroller” was beginning to feel infantile.
I recently found myself in need of new wheels. At first, I was drawn toward something that looked cool and definitely wasn’t a wheelchair. But, as my family and I discussed what I needed, we decided that a compact electric wheelchair was the best option.
Though I was not thrilled with the prospect, I now love my easy-to-maneuver, surprisingly comfortable electric wheelchair.
Will people see me in it and assume I can’t walk? Probably. Even though I find that misconception offensive, other people’s ideas shouldn’t keep me from what I need.
Grace Pelley has cerebral palsy. She loves reading, writing and swimming. She wants to build a stronger sense of community among disabled people. She is a certified fiction book coach at http://secondchancebookcoaching.com/.
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