My legs don't work; my ears are fine (and other annoyances)

"You're such an inspiration!" 

Life in a wheelchair is life... but just in a wheelchair. Of course lots of things are more difficult. If the person who achieves mobility through the wheelchair used to be able-bodied, they obviously had some huge challenges to overcome. But the bottom line is - this is their life. That sounds simple, however it seems to be overlooked by many people.

When my friend with Spina Bifida is spoken to loudly and slowly, she looks up at the speaker and says "My legs don't work, but my ears are just fine."

My friend who is living with a Spinal Cord Injury says that many of the women with whom she works, who are also "in a chair", absolutely hate being told that they are an inspiration - especially by strangers. Imagine, being a wife and mother, shopping for groceries, in your wheelchair, and having a total stranger tell you that you are SUCH an inspiration... They call it the "I" word, as if it's almost a curse word. Think about it from her perspective. What exactly has she inspired you to do? Don't ignore her, but don't say something so empty of meaning. If you're looking for something to say, maybe you can say "Is there anything I can help you with?" She may need something on the top grocery shelf, and your offer would be gratefully received.

More on this tomorrow. Until then, may your eyes be open to the person, and not the chair.