Question

[sammij95]

So when I was 18 months old, I fell off of a chair, and I now have a Spinal Cord Injury. I'm in a wheelchair, and have limited movement and feeling, but I'm gaining more back. Anyway, I'm just wondering something... Why are people afraid to talk to me? I mean, I barely have any friends because people are too scared. Everyone assumes that I'm stupid, just because I can't walk, even though I'm in honors classes. I don't understand why people are so...intimidated. Does anyone know what I can do to show people that I'm not a freak? Or if something's wrong with me? I just need someone to talk to...

[emoticon]

you can talk to me anytime.

anyways i can think of a few reason why people wouldn't talk to you.
mainly because they are assuming. they are assuming that you are ____.
and it's because of that assumption that they don't know what to do. they don't know if they can talk to you, they know if you have any limitations. they don't know anything. and if they are going to be that immature and jsut assume instead finding out for themselves. then well i personally think thats pretty stupid. but anyways try to put yourself out there. be more outgoing. i'm assuming your in a school. so once you make a few friends words will go around.
hope this helped.

[Bibliophile]

Hey there,

I'm sorry that this is happening to you, Sammi. However it is great to hear that you're getting some feeling back! You're welcome to PM me any time if you would like to talk. (:

To other people you're just a normal girl but you're in a wheelchair. With disabilities it is very hard for people to understand unless they are/have been in your situation. Especially while you're young and people are still maturing, most likely people won't know what to say, or how to react to you. It's not your fault. People only understand what they have been through and what they struggle with, so seeing you they wouldn't completely understand how you feel and the struggles you face. This doesn't make you stupid or a freak at all. What can you do? You could speak to people about the struggles you face. Try to explain about spinal cord injuries, the effects, the struggles, the reasoning behind you being in a wheelchair. Perhaps organise something through your school to raise awareness of spinal cord injuries and give people an opportunity to learn more. While it must seem horribly difficult I'm sure that it will get better.

I hope this helps.
Marie.