I have met some of the most kind individuals since I have been in a chair also, but I have experienced my share of discrimination. When I was eight years younger, I used to get all those wonderful smiles from the ladies, but that doesn't happen any longer. However, for the most part I am usually given the respect I deserve and try my best not to let individuals trounce upon my rights. It is a long and hard struggle to make sure that people see the individual and not just the individual in the chair.
I have been fortunate enough not to come across too many gang bangers in their own territory, but whenever I encounter them in the mall or another areas, I have always been polite and they have always reciprocated. Then again, Tampa is not nearly as bad as some other areas in the country, even though we have our share of gangs. In my personal experience I have found it beneficial to simply bid a good day to everyone I encounter on the street. So far I haven't been robbed or thrown out of my chair, but that could change. Let me keep my fingers crossed that it doesn't. Quadius On 5/26/07, Merrill Burghardt <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
These posts are curious. Do other chair users experience disgraceful treatment in public as a rule? The nicest people have crossed my life since being in a chair. Having a "service dog" sure helps social interaction, but life with other humans was never perfect, especially when I was in walking mode. If some of these posters remember walking, were you always making eye contact to people. And you think people are looking you! mb ------------------------------ *From:* David K. Kelmer [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] *Sent:* Friday, May 25, 2007 12:43 PM *To:* [EMAIL PROTECTED]; quad-list@eskimo.com *Subject:* Re: [QUAD-L] About wheelchair users keeping their heads down in public I'll second that 'Amen.' With Love, CtrlAltDel aka Dave C4/5 Complete - 31 Years Post Texas, USA [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Amen Ron..... Amen W In a message dated 5/23/2007 10:39:56 P.M. Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi, I can hardly believe a magazine devoted to disabled persons would give advice to keep your head down in public and dont speak, but if this is true people need to boycott the magazine. Obviously the publishers are prejudice themselves and in the business for a profit only. I encourage new disabled individuals I meet to keep their head up and make eye contact. Using a wheelchair doesnt mean a person is unable to get respect or engage in a conversation. We are american citizens the same as any other walking person out there, and in turn are entitled to the same rights. Ron c7 ------------------------------ See what's free at AOL.com <http://www.aol.com/?ncid=AOLAOF00020000000503>.
