Twenty-five years ago, my brother was in an accident that left him paralyzed. To better understand what this new life for Crosby would be like, my sisters and I decided to spend the afternoon in a wheelchair.
Not only was this an eye-opener in terms of physical challenges (reaching the top shelf in the local grocery store, for instance), but also in our interactions with the public. Some folks won’t make eye contact, some treat you like a child, and some want to do everything for you, often without first asking if you need assistance. As we wheeled a mile or two in Crosby’s shoes, we gained a smidgen of insight into the life of the physically disabled.
Yesterday, as Art and I listened to Betty’s (name changed) story, I once again tried to comprehend what struggles those with severe disabilities face. Betty, a friendly gal in her 60s, has a myriad of physical ailments to deal with, but that’s not what she wanted to talk about. “My care givers just do not understand what an elderly or disabled person deals with,” she stated matter-of-factly. Betty believes that direct care workers need better training and should get input/feedback from those receiving services.
“And my money spends just the same as yours does; I should have all the same rights you enjoy.” Betty then explained that due to her limited income (a result of her disabilities); she feels she must accept inferior medication, due to decisions dictated by her insurance company instead of her medical team. Betty was most definitely not a whiner as she gave specific examples of how people -and “the system”- disregard her. Her closing comments wrapped up the conversation with a charge for Art: “There are too many disabled and elderly hurting from the legislature’s lack of understanding of our needs. I want you to represent us well!”
My experiences on the campaign trail have certainly not been all fun-and-games, but it most definitely has been a privilege to hear the personal stories of Betty and other voters. And it’s given me a glimpse of what life is like for others. Just a glimpse – kind of like voluntarily spending the afternoon confined to a wheelchair.
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