To the child that just got their first wheelchair: congratulations, you have already taken the first step that you need to flourish in life with cerebral palsy. It’s exciting, isn’t it? One time i got my first wheelchair: it had been small, the footrest handles were hot pink and I just thought it was the coolest thing ever to become sitting in a wheelchair-something my physiotherapist and teachers had been referring to for a while.
I remember going through the process of getting measurements, picking out the colors, and discussing what you’re have to the wheelchair for. We experienced all the ins and outs of how to use and keep it.
I remember the first time I ever set my wheelchair like a young child I thought “how awesome!”, but I think that was the first time I realized that I was different from everyone else. I couldn’t comprehend it, I was nonchalant about it, saying that I can use this chair to get around.
Having a wheelchair has its pros and cons in life. or example: when you’re playing musical chairs together with your friends, and the music stops, you won't ever have to worry about having a seat since you are already sitting down, or if you need to do laps around the track in school you could just have someone push you around in your wheelchair, or if you have a power chair, then you're able to do it yourself. Another fun pro about having a wheelchair is that you can go to Universal Studios and get on every ride first. I mostly love that about happening the Harry Potter rides, especially “The Forbidden Journey,” since that's my personal favorite ride.
But my favorite thing about finding yourself in a wheelchair is the fact people always remember coming up to you wanting to know the storyline and wanting to know what caused you to be in the wheelchair. It’s a satisfying feeling to know that you taught someone about a disability that they probably have never heard of.
Now on to the negative side of having an ailment and having to be on a wheelchair… the proven fact that some people may not treat us just like a regular person or being an adult is the worst feeling in the world. I experienced discrimination as an adult, and going into society because people automatically stereotype you from your appearance.
You have to prove yourself consistently when coping with a condition such as Cerebral Palsy but other than that, it’s fantastic having a wheelchair since with time it becomes a part of you. But don’t let that define who you are because you are the own human being with your own story. You may be a champion regardless of how people may treat you in society, so just continue going with the smile I understand you have, especially that excited smile in the day you got your first wheelchair.
