You are completely right, of course. I have a man coming on Thursday to, sort me out hopefully. I do deserve a good life and if a power wheelchair facilities that then that’s what I need. Well written piece Teri
If you have to, consider saying something like “I would use a chair in the house all the time if I could get through the doorways.” If the person that is coming is from a vendor, they 1) want to sell you a chair and 2) they know what you are up against.
Ugh, Teri. I never thought about this sense that to use a wheelchair is to "give in" and be weak, even when it would bring you freedom from pain and anxiety. But, duh, of course that narrative exists. Like being in a wheelchair is a failure of will or something.
I've also been thinking a lot about all the mindfulness/wellness advice that says over and over, "Just take a walk." Which is lovely until you can't walk or could never walk in the first place. For a while, the arthritis in my knee was bad enough that I couldn't "just take a walk," and I felt so resentful every time I saw that advice. Imagining how that feels over a whole lifetime instead of just a couple of months.
When I still worked, at every Student Affairs division meeting, there would be a break where they would say “Everyone stand up and stretch!”
I finally told them, (even though they were all about DEI and cultural sensitivity) that some people can’t stand up, and that others maybe can, but would prefer not to. Duh. They changed the wording after that.
I was so impressed at IU’s graduation ceremony when they repeatedly said, “Those who are able to stand may do so now.” Such a small change in language to make a whole bunch of people feel seen and included.
Hurray for wheelchairs! They are awesome! They help us get to where we need to go, support our bodies, and live our lives!
You are completely right, of course. I have a man coming on Thursday to, sort me out hopefully. I do deserve a good life and if a power wheelchair facilities that then that’s what I need. Well written piece Teri
If you have to, consider saying something like “I would use a chair in the house all the time if I could get through the doorways.” If the person that is coming is from a vendor, they 1) want to sell you a chair and 2) they know what you are up against.
Ugh, Teri. I never thought about this sense that to use a wheelchair is to "give in" and be weak, even when it would bring you freedom from pain and anxiety. But, duh, of course that narrative exists. Like being in a wheelchair is a failure of will or something.
I've also been thinking a lot about all the mindfulness/wellness advice that says over and over, "Just take a walk." Which is lovely until you can't walk or could never walk in the first place. For a while, the arthritis in my knee was bad enough that I couldn't "just take a walk," and I felt so resentful every time I saw that advice. Imagining how that feels over a whole lifetime instead of just a couple of months.
Thanks as always for the great insight!
When I still worked, at every Student Affairs division meeting, there would be a break where they would say “Everyone stand up and stretch!”
I finally told them, (even though they were all about DEI and cultural sensitivity) that some people can’t stand up, and that others maybe can, but would prefer not to. Duh. They changed the wording after that.
I was so impressed at IU’s graduation ceremony when they repeatedly said, “Those who are able to stand may do so now.” Such a small change in language to make a whole bunch of people feel seen and included.