they are probably just well  intended, but iqnorant. are they older
individuals?  the old thought was that cp never got worse and that the
undamage brain cells would pick up some of the function.  reality is as we
age we see that our bodies are wearing out quicker.

-----Original Message-----
From: Perk [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, December 09, 1999 9:09 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Talking to kids about disabilities


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
>