When Rachelle is out in public, she has received numerous stares, deliberate avoidance, and even people jumping out of her way quite often. She recognizes that much of these reactions are prompted by discomfort, and even fear, that is experienced alongside the feelings of unfamiliarity. In essence, people are afraid of what they do not know or understand, and Rachelle has been the frequent receiver of this fear.
Being a quadriplegic, Rachelle has realized that many people do not know much about the disability community. But, the way adults react around people with disabilities can significantly impact how their children perceive disabilities, and this is something that Rachelle hopes will change.
“Giving a child a good experience may ultimately make them more understanding and comfortable. The problem is, though, that some parents don’t know how to react to their child’s curiosity.”
On Rachelle’s part, she makes sure she lets children know that they can approach her comfortably.
Recalling an incident at the mall, she noticed a boy, who was with his mother, staring at her, and asked him if he wanted to “see something cool.” She then did a spin for him as her wheels had spinners, and the boy was immediately intrigued and excited. He wanted to give it a try, and Rachelle gladly obliged.
Before Rachelle left, the boy’s mother reminded him to thank Rachelle for stopping for him. Besides doing so, he stopped Rachelle to give her a hug and a little peck on her cheek. It was such an amazing and sweet experience that might not have occurred if the boy’s mother did not allow him to interact with Rachelle!
“What parents don’t realize is that when you hush your child in a situation like this, you’re essentially telling them that this is something they shouldn’t ask about.”
Rachelle explains. Instead of approaching disability like a taboo subject, parents should transform it into a “teachable moment.” This way, not only do children learn a little more about disabilities, but they also come to understand that people with disabilities are first of all, people, too, and should not be treated any differently from others.
Parents’ attitudes can definitely affect how children see disabilities as well – they can sense when their parents are uncomfortable, and this in turn makes them uncomfortable, too. Children need to know that disabilities are nothing to be afraid of, and they are most certainly not “contagious.”
What is even more important is that children “need to realize that everyone is different and that’s OK.” That’s what makes the world interesting. Everybody is different one way or another – some differences are just more apparent than others. But ultimately, “all of these differences should be accepted and embraced.”
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