“What’s wrong with her?” “She’s sick.”

Raising a child with special health care needs comes with many challenges.  There are some really high highs and also some really low lows.  As parents we love our children and we see them go through so many changes as they grow and deal with the things that come with their varying diagnoses.  We want our children to enjoy life, be involved in their communities.  We want them to be able to do things with and like their peers.  You know, things like, going to the movies, shopping, out to eat, etc…  We don’t want them to be seen as wrong or sick!

I cannot count the times we have been having a good day, on outings, Target included and a child sees Kerstin in her wheelchair and they stare and will ask their parent(s), “What’s wrong with her?” “Why is she in that chair?”  Too many times I hear the parent whisper, “She’s sick.” NO!  And that is exactly what I have started to say without explanation.  When I overhear that answer, I just politely say “No.”  When a parent tells their child that there’s nothing wrong, and to speak, we usually spark a conversation.  They are receptive and seem to want their child to be as well.  It warms my heart, and I am sure the hearts of other parents of children with special needs as well, when parents of children without those needs are open and want to make sure their child speaks and understands diversity. 

Having a disability or special health care needs does not equate to sickness.  Cerebral Palsy is not a sickness, it is not contagious.  Epilepsy is not contagious.  Yes, our children get sick, so does everyone.   When a child/adult has a disability, it usually takes them longer to overcome general illnesses.  Using a wheelchair, wearing glasses, AFOs, neck supports and other assistance in NO WAY means the person is sick.  When Kerstin is sick, she definitely will not be in a restaurant, a movie theater or her beloved Target.  That is something we just do not do.  The only time she is outside of our home while sick is to go to the doctor or unfortunately when she is hospitalized.

So, when you see a family out enjoying their day just as you are and your child asks, “What’s wrong with her (him)?”  “Why is s(he) in that wheelchair?” Be sure to tell them, that nothing is wrong, she needs the chair to get around and go places, say “hi”! 

No Parking!!!

     How many times have you gone to Walmart, the mall, the movies or even your child's school and someone was parked in accessible parking and you felt they shouldn't park there?  It has been too many times to count for us!  Feelings and counts aside...they have no tag or placard acknowledging the need to use accessible parking.  Let's keep in mind, not all disabilities are visible!  The person may have asthma or COPD, Epilepsy or some other type of medical need that causes them to need to park close to where they are going. 

     We also need to "keep it real" and be honest!  People are abusing the tags, the placards and overly abusing accessible parking.  It is NOT convenience parking!  That parking is there, close to the buildings and spacious enough for individuals and families that really need them.  We have people and wheelchairs to unload and it CANNOT be done so easy in the usual aisle parking. 

     I know that every single time I have gone to Walmart, I am guaranteed to see people pulling up withe placards swinging from the rear-view mirror, when they clearly state to remove before driving. 











 The part that really bugs me is when there is a vehicle parked on the striped lines in accessible! 

That is very inconsiderate when, like I stated earlier, families are unloading people and wheelchairs.  People are parking in ramp vans which need the extra space, 8 feet is printed on most vehicles with ramps! 

     Vistaprint just might be getting business!  Whenever I see a vehicle parked on the lines, they will come out and see something similar to one of the pictures and a little message saying "Think before you park!"

Be mindful, the spaces are not a luxury!  They are a necessity!