Last post Fri, May 02 2008 6:23 PM by strokie. 21 replies.
Hi there, I have a question for a poll...
...If you have a noticable or visable disability, do you mind if a child stares or watches you?
(I'm working on my next artical for my blog about children and staring. Here's how I feel about it.)
I personally do not mind if a kid looks at me and asks "why does that lady have that white cane?"
I don't mind if a child askes me what my cane is for.
I don't mind if a parent askes on a childs behalf.
I DO mind when a parent shhhh's a kid when they ask. Or yanks them clear out of my path as if I was going to plow right into them.
I DO mind when someone give a kid a really misrable answer.
Worst answer I ever over heard a mother say to a child about my blindness:
"It's because she does not believe in Jesus enough!"
Let us hope that child never has a disability, they will not only have to deal with all that comes with that but a religious delema as well.
Thanks so much,
Rachel
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I would like to post some of your answers (I'll use no names or addresses ect) on my blog. If you don't want me to, just say no and of course I will not.
If you want to see what my blog is all about go to:
http://whynotrachel.wordpress.com
I completly agreee with your comments Rachel
Joe
i agree with you 100% rachel.. i often have kids aks me, "why do you only have 3 fingers?" and "why are your feet like that?".. it doent bother me one bit. like you, it doesn bother me when parents try and shush their children. or tell them "dont stare at her".. i know they THINK they are being polite, but thats when i take it upon myself to tell the little one i was born that way. being a christian, i often use the answer "bc thats how God made me".. i know this answer doesn work for everyone, and to each his own, but its my own personal belief. the thought that someone would say you didnt believe in jesus enough as a response to your disability is horrible. i am a very religious person and i cannot imagine someone who SAYS they are a christian saying that. to me, God makes eahc of us beautiful in our own way, and while i dont understand why he made me with 3 fingers, he obviously has a reason for it, and so i am proud to have this birth defect. i teach preschoolers on wednesday nights at my church and i often get asked even by them why i was born without all my fingers. i explain to them bc thats how God made me and i think there is nothing wrong with a child innocent curiosity. and thats all it is.
I completely agree with your statements, 100%
I ALSO LET CHILDREN FEEL WITH THERE HANDS AND OFTEN TAKE THEM FOR RIDES IN MY CHAIR ~~~ THEY LOVE TO DRIVE THE POWER CHAIR RAINEY
I don't mind if children stare, they are so honest and innocent. I had a little boy once tell his mother "Look mom that man is in a stroller", while we were in the grocery store, I still laugh when I think about that.
Stay Strong
Vinny
Kids? Not at all. I work with kids and I don't often use my cane in front of them but sometimes I do. It has a stuffed toy elephant on the handle so I often just say "do you like my elephant friend?" If they ask "what's that" I just say it helps me walk. They notice my insulin pump sometimes and I say "that's my medicine." I wish kids and adults would feel more comfortable asking more because if they don't ask they just jump to their own conclusions.
Adults? Rather, especially adults in the health professions who really should know better. My medical school classmates stared at me for months when I started using a cane but no one said anything. It was like the elephant in the corner. That's when I went to the toy store and bought the elephant to give them something real to stare at! It is interesting who comments on the elephant. Kids do, and nurses and physical therapists and patients in the elevator and others with physical disabilities in general. But hardly ever other doctors. He's a good judge of character, that elephant!
I am so loving hearing what everyone has to say! And that elephant cracks me up.
I don't mind if children stare, and if they have questions or want to talk I find them very easy to talk with. I used to be one, so it seems I still remember how to relate. (Could be my brothers being 10, 14 and 21 years younger than me may have something to do with it too!)
Your comments are right on, Rachel. I don't mind at all if a child stares at me. I have several young great nieces and nephews and they have grown up with my prothesis. They still talk about it and stare. I tell them, "It's my helper leg." or I'll say "magic leg." Then I tell them to come and knock on it and listen to the sound it makes. They always knock on my prosthesis now.
It's the adults I mind, the ones who should know better. I got a pretty pink design on my prosthesis, really giving them something to stare at. I deal with it pretty well most days, but some dfays I just stare back. They get the picture.
I don't mind children staring,but when they grab my quad cane I get annoyed. It is the only way I can walk (hobble) and without it I will fall.
Not at all. I'm at their level after all and my dog always perks up at the sight of a child. She's got such a smiley attitude, she invites children into our space. I love to talk to little kids who are curious, smile and let them know I saw them.
And your opening post was spot on. Nice to know others feel the same way I do.
I do not mind when children look or point at me. Most children have never seen someone in a wheelchair, so they don't know any better. I try to make them comfortable by smiling and waving. I have wheels that light up, so it is a good conversation starter.
No I don't mind. I do mind when adults stare or make ridiculous comments like the following: "You walk with aide, excellent!"
