#wheelchairbound

"Just over 6.8 million community-resident Americans use assistive devices to  help them with mobility. This group comprises 1.7 million wheelchair or scooter  riders and 6.1 million users of other mobility devices, such as canes, crutches,  and walkers." (Disability Statistics Center).

While the disability community is diverse, ”the disabled guy" stereotype generally involves being in a  wheelchair. It's visual storytelling shorthand. There are more specific disability  stereotypes, such as being blind giving you a 6th sense, and autism accompanied by savant syndrome. 

The wheelchair-bound stereotype is the most prevalent in my life because my form of cerebral palsy has always included mobility aids. I had the most exposure to the  disability community at camp every summer. 

Even through those experiences of  making friends and seeing what they could do, I still saw it as a failure when I first sat in a wheelchair. 

Just because you know a disabled person, an Asian  person, etc. it doesn't mean you can't be ableist or racist. Accepting an individual is different than being aware of how stereotypes might affect your  behavior. People don't like to acknowledge our failures.  

As a child, I was at least as "curious" about other disabilities as my able-bodied peers. Everyone learns from the media. I have the same questions about specific disabilities, such as visual impairments or hard-of-hearing people, that  others without disabilities have. 

However, that doesn't make it right for me to ask invasive questions of other disabled people.

Internalizing ableism is complex. In the media, a hierarchy of identities is reinforced, and I am set up to  internalize where society "fits me in”, among the disabled. "Disability hierarchy is  not about disability type alone, but rather a complex, intersectional differential  valuation of disabled people regarding who can and cannot or should and  should not be accommodated and integrated into a society based on various  factors." (Schalk, 408)

I can only speak from my experience. What I know about  disability stereotypes and what questions annoy me the most do not necessarily transfer to other people.

Sources

Schalk, S. (2020). Wounded Warriors of the Future Disability Hierarchy in Avatar and Source Code. Journal of Literary & Cultural Disability Studies, 14(4), 403-420.http://samischalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Schalk_Wounded-Warriors-of-the-Future_JLCDS-2020.pdf

This lightweight beauty is perfect for anyone who wants to maintain their independence and mobility without sacrificing comfort or style.

Here's why I'm obsessed:

💖 Lightweight and portable: Perfect for everyday adventures or jet-setting across the globe.

💖 Comfortable design: The 18" seat, lap belt, and detachable arms ensure you stay comfy all day long.

💖 Safety first: Attendant brakes give you peace of mind wherever you roll.

💖 Puncture-proof tires: No more worrying about flats on your adventures!

The U-GO Esteem is more than just a wheelchair; it's a lifestyle. Embrace your freedom and independence with this amazing mobility aid.

✨ Rollin' with Style & Smiles! ✨

Looking for a pediatric wheelchair that's both functional AND fabulous? Look no further than Mobility Shop! Our chairs aren't just about getting around, they're about empowering kids to express themselves and conquer the world with confidence.

🌈 Vibrant Colors: We've got a rainbow of shades to match your child's unique personality.

⚡️ Lightweight & Nimble: Perfect for zipping around the playground or navigating tight spaces.

💪 Built to Last: Our wheelchairs are tough enough to handle all of life's adventures.

💖 Designed with Love: We prioritize comfort and support for your little one's growing body.

💡 Customization Options: Let's create a wheelchair that's as unique as your child.

At Mobility Shop, we offer a wide variety of children's wheelchairs designed to be comfortable, functional, and fun. From lightweight and folding models for easy transport to bright and colorful designs, we have everything you need to help your child reach their full potential.

Here are some of the benefits of children's wheelchairs:

Independence: Children's wheelchairs can give your child the freedom to move around and explore their surroundings independently.

Participation: Wheelchairs can help children participate in everyday activities, such as playing with friends and going to school.

Comfort: Our wheelchairs are designed to be comfortable for children of all ages and sizes.

Durability: Our wheelchairs are built to last, so you can be sure your child will get years of use out of them.

Mobility Shop offers a wide variety of children's wheelchairs to meet the individual needs of each child. With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect wheelchair for your child.