I would like to turn the focus on this message on adults. . .  I ran in to
two adults that told me everyday for fifteen years that I could walk and get
over Cerebral Palsy later in my life.  (They are sisters.) They claimed they
loved me.

Kathy





----- Original Message -----
From: Elaine Taylor <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, December 08, 1999 8:00 AM
Subject: Re: Talking to kids about disabilities


> When kids are young, usually under 8, and they are staring at my kids, I
try
> to draw them into a conversation about the power chair and show how "cool"
it
> is that Alex and Briana can drive it themselves just like the powerwheel
cars
> that kids use.  However, when kids look old enough to understand and just
> stare, I have instructed Briana to ask them "Do you have a problem or What
> are you looking at?"
>
> It may not be very nice, but I am very tired of people staring at my kids.
> She did it once to a kid in ShopRite and he sort of stuttered "ah, ah,
> nothing," he was old enough to know better, and hopefully, he won't do it
> again.  I will not have people staring at my kids like their freaks!
>
> The other thing I am extremely tired of is adults looking at them in pity
and
> patting them on the head.  Their not dogs for heaven's sake.  Or, oh, God
> Bless you (he already has, they just don't know it), I don't know how you
do
> it.  It may be a well intended statement, but quite honestly, I'm tired of
it.
>
> Elaine
>