I have a special friend who we will call “Cathy”. Cathy has Cerebral Palsy. One day, we were talking about anything and everything. And somehow, the concept of “perception” came up. We started discussing how the general public perceives individuals with impairments who may be wheelchair bound. As we continued our deep discussion, Cathy helped me come up with an important message to the world. This is from “Cathy’s” eyes:

Yes, I am wheelchair bound. I can’t walk, talk, or feed myself. I am completely dependent on others to help me with all aspects of my care.

When I am out in the community, the general population either stares at me awkwardly or completely ignores me. It’s like they don’t even see me, at least not the real me. So I have a message to the world…

Just Like You

With the help of my walker, I can walk!  

Just like you…

 With the help of my communication device, I can talk!

Just like you…

 With the help of my special feeding equipment, I can eat!

Just like you…

 With the help of my power w/c, I can drive to places!

Just like you…

 With the help of adaptive devices, I can use the computer!

Just like you…

 With the help of a stander, I can stand up tall!

Just like you…

 With the help of proper floatation devices, I can swim!

Just like you…

 With the help of the adapted bike, I can ride my bike!

Just like you…

 But this is what you really need to know about me…

 I have feelings, dreams, desires, and goals.

Just like you…

 So next time you see me,

Please remember, I am a human being…

Just like you…