I think it is normal to feel a little inferior about your disability.  Many people who don’t have a disability have something/s that causes them insecurity, whether it’s their looks, intelligence or their singing voice.  Let’s face it, none of us are perfect.  We all have shortcomings.  However, I fear that many of us look at our disability and feel like we are not a whole person – that we’re unsure of how others may view us, especially in a negative, helpless light.

            What many of us don’t realize is that a disability is a badge of honor.  It shows the world that we have overcome adversity.  That we don’t hide ourselves from the population.  We contribute to society.  Every day we are out there fighting for a life that has not been easy on us.  And we may not see it, but we are respected and admired by many.  We set an example that life is what you make it.

            Most of us probably don’t even think about our disability daily.  It is what it is and we’ve learned to deal with it, making the best of our situation.  And we go about our daily life overcoming obstacles, but yet not imagining what an inspiration we are to others.  And we are!

            Do I like being disabled?  No.  But I am proud of the way I’ve handled the predicament.  I am full of pride as I literally push through each day.  And, in many places throughout my journey in life, I have given hope and inspiration to others.  So, if you have a disability, hold your head high.  It is a badge of honor.

How People See Me

            I’ve often wondered how people see me.  For the most part, I’ve been pretty lucky over the years with the whole dating thing.   I can usually tell if someone is attracted to me or not.  There have been times when I see a totally hot babe only to find she’s not interested in me.  Of course you always wonder if it’s you she’s just not attracted to or if it’s the disability that turned her off.  It’s not like she’s going to tell you.  “Of course it’s not your disability, honey,” she says.  “You’re just ugly.”  Well thank God for that.  I thought you were shallow.

            I’ve also been out with my buddies and have been the one who gets the girl only to hear my friends say, “I gotta get me a wheelchair.”  Yeah, I hate to say it but, the disability has also helped land me a chick or two.  Maybe they think a disabled person can be trusted.  Fools, I say, but I’ll take it. Use whatever you got, baby. I’ll take a sympathy date as long as she’s buying.

            I’ve got to be honest with you… I’m not attracted to disabled people.  I mean, come on, what if I dated another quad?  Somebody’s gotta do the heavy lifting in the relationship.  I’m sorry, I think it’s best if I stay away from my own kind.

            This doesn’t mean that I think disabled people are unattractive.  To each his or her own.  I never really know how others view me.  It’s probably not important.  How cliché it might sound but what’s important is how I see myself.  That’s who I have to live with.  If I’m mean, rude or bitter I’m probably an ugly person.  As for looks, we are what we are.  Take it or leave it.  Life will still go on.

            So are disabled people attractive?  Who knows?  Who cares?  There’s somebody for everybody out there.  Yeah you might not get that hot babe or that gorgeous guy but, who knows, you might get something better; someone who loves you for who you are.

Jeff Charlebois is a “sit-down” comedian, blogger and quadriplegic.

Click here to read Twenty Years of Living, Loving and Learning Part 1.

Click here to read Twenty Years of Living, Loving and Learning Part 2