For any middle aged adult the sense of getting IDed has become almost a compliment in our appearance. Personally, as a nonverbal wheelchair user this concept interestingly has the opposite effect for me, to a point it’s almost an insult.
To provide you with a bit more background into this statement, I’m Gretta, I’m 33 and I have been a nonverbal wheelchair user since I was born. I was also brought up in the little area called the Hawkesbury. As it was the nineties I had the unique opportunity to grow up as the most severely disabled person in my district and school. Although I’m extremely grateful for these opportunities, there have always been times where I have been frustrated with people who don’t treat me like an average person. Interestingly, I’ve noticed that these feelings have sort of grown since I’ve entered further and further into adulthood. Personally, I feel this is because I constantly compare people’s treatment of me to how they would treat other adult women. I understand that some of you who are reading this are relating way too well to this situation. If this is you I’m just going to give you some tips that I really try to remember in these situations, although it’s extremely hard sometimes especially if you’re nonverbal.
