Has Anyone Else Experienced This???

[friendnc]

I am so glad you are not overly sensitive and better. That's awesome!! But to prove a "to each his own" kind of thing, I HATE it when people say the above to me.

I don't understand? Do others ask you if you "want to race"? I only ask children this, and seldom at that. It breaks the ice and they always get a kick out of it.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

I don't understand? Do others ask you if you "want to race"? I only ask children this, and seldom at that. It breaks the ice and they always get a kick out of it.

Yes they do. Kids, never. I especially hate the "hey you oughta put a motor on that thing!!" (I use a manual chair). Why, oh why, would a person need to address a perfect stranger, an adult no less, in that manner?

 

[BillSears]

Yea I get the "race" thing all of the time, especially if I'm walking down the hall with another wheelchair user. It's an easy way for me to tell if a person is an idiot right away.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Yea I get the "race" thing all of the time, especially if I'm walking down the hall with another wheelchair user. It's an easy way for me to tell if a person is an idiot right away.

Amen!

 

[winniethepoohsmom]

We've gotten those looks on occasion, because my DS is autistic and sometimes at first glance he appears perfectly fine. I just ignore it, life is difficult enough with a disability, I won't let a strangers opinion of our situation ruin any part of our vacation. I once had a woman at hersheypark approach me as we were entering a ride at the exit and she was coming off, she told me we were going the wrong way and that we could'nt cut the line by going up the exit ( in a very unfriendly tone of voice) So I nicely responded yes you can if you have a disability pass. That shut her up and we went happily on our way. A friend of mine had business cards made up, I don't remember the exact wording but it went something like this. I noticed you noticing my son he is autistic and does'nt always do well in some situations we are working on his behavior issues what are you doing for yours? She gets her point across with out having to say anything and the people are usually dumbfounded and sometimes apolagetic. Luckily most people are more understanding and patient.

 

[friendnc]

We've gotten those looks on occasion, because my DS is autistic and sometimes at first glance he appears perfectly fine. I just ignore it, life is difficult enough with a disability, I won't let a strangers opinion of our situation ruin any part of our vacation. I once had a woman at hersheypark approach me as we were entering a ride at the exit and she was coming off, she told me we were going the wrong way and that we could'nt cut the line by going up the exit ( in a very unfriendly tone of voice) So I nicely responded yes you can if you have a disability pass. That shut her up and we went happily on our way. A friend of mine had business cards made up, I don't remember the exact wording but it went something like this. I noticed you noticing my son he is autistic and does'nt always do well in some situations we are working on his behavior issues what are you doing for yours? She gets her point across with out having to say anything and the people are usually dumbfounded and sometimes apolagetic. Luckily most people are more understanding and patient.

Yes, most people are really kind.

 

[friendnc]

Yes they do. Kids, never. I especially hate the "hey you oughta put a motor on that thing!!" (I use a manual chair). Why, oh why, would a person need to address a perfect stranger, an adult no less, in that manner?

I know what you mean (especially about the motor thing). But aht's not what I'm talking about. Imjust saying kids tend to be curious, and it sort of relaxes things. I've never addressed adults or other disabled persons. I just think that sometimes everyone invovled is a little uncomfortable on both sides, and if we can just do or say a little something to be friendly to break the ice or ease the moment, then it's good for all of us. If someone would make a comment to me I thought was a little odd, but sincerly trying to be friendly, I give them the benefit of the doubt and be friendly back rather than being offended or thinking their an idiot. I think eveyone wants to make connections. If we (disabled and non-disabled alike) can get past our defenses (me included), I guess we'll all have fewer experiences like I was talking about with BTMRR.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

I know what you mean (especially about the motor thing). But aht's not what I'm talking about. Imjust saying kids tend to be curious, and it sort of relaxes things. I've never addressed adults or other disabled persons. I just think that sometimes everyone invovled is a little uncomfortable on both sides, and if we can just do or say a little something to be friendly to break the ice or ease the moment, then it's good for all of us. If someone would make a comment to me I thought was a little odd, but sincerly trying to be friendly, I give them the benefit of the doubt and be friendly back rather than being offended or thinking their an idiot. I think eveyone wants to make connections. If we (disabled and non-disabled alike) can get past our defenses (me included), I guess we'll all have fewer experiences like I was talking about with BTMRR.

It's a whole different story when you get comments like the "motor" one when a car stops so you can cross to the parking lot at Staples. He rolled down his window as I passed and said this to me. Should he say this because he's uncomfortable stopping and letting me pass? Trying to break the ice or ease the moment? Come on. People CAN be idiots this way.

These comments don't offend me. They just make me think "oh brother," kind of thing.

 

[friendnc]

It's a whole different story when you get comments like the "motor" one when a car stops so you can cross to the parking lot at Staples. He rolled down his window as I passed and said this to me. Should he say this because he's uncomfortable stopping and letting me pass? Trying to break the ice or ease the moment? Come on. People CAN be idiots this way.

These comments don't offend me. They just make me think "oh brother," kind of thing.

I'm sounding like a broken record, but that type of comment in that context is NOT what I'm talking about. Clearly that was obnoxious and rude. But I'm NOT talking about those situations. It's obvious I didn't apply the "breaking the ice moment" to your type of situation. I mean, "come on"! Seriously though, I'm just saying as those who aren't disabled have a responsiblilty to think before they speak or act, WE also have a responsiblity to not be hyper-sensitive and show others we are approachable and friendly. I know how I felt and thought before my disability, and I know now how it is to be disabled. There are discomforts on both sides and I always try to keep that in mind. I want people to ask me questions. Those types of exchanges are great. They're a great help to both sides to the issue. But if we get anal about every little stare or whatever, it makes us look like jerks/bitter/entitled. But, I'm NOT talking about the ones who make the "motor" comments in the contexted you stated, or the ones who darted the "you schouldn't go to theme parks..." comments at me, or those not disabled who get enraged at GAC's (This use to be REALLY bad at US/IOA before they got rid of GAC's). I really didn't mean for my post to go in this direction.

Anyway, thanks everyone for your thoughts and support. It's a great help!

 

[Tiiiigergirl]

I'm sounding like a broken record, but that type of comment in that context is NOT what I'm talking about. Clearly that was obnoxious and rude. But I'm NOT talking about those situations. It's obvious I didn't apply the "breaking the ice moment" to your type of situation. I mean, "come on"! Seriously though, I'm just saying as those who aren't disabled have a responsiblilty to think before they speak or act, WE also have a responsiblity to not be hyper-sensitive and show others we are approachable and friendly. I know how I felt and thought before my disability, and I know now how it is to be disabled. There are discomforts on both sides and I always try to keep that in mind. I want people to ask me questions. Those types of exchanges are great. They're a great help to both sides to the issue. But if we get anal about every little stare or whatever, it makes us look like jerks/bitter/entitled. But, I'm NOT talking about the ones who make the "motor" comments in the contexted you stated, or the ones who darted the "you schouldn't go to theme parks..." comments at me, or those not disabled who get enraged at GAC's (This use to be REALLY bad at US/IOA before they got rid of GAC's). I really didn't mean for my post to go in this direction.

Anyway, thanks everyone for your thoughts and support. It's a great help!

Well said!

 

[SueM in MN]

This is a link to a really, really old disABILITIES Board thread, but it is interesting and is discussing some of the same issues.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi folks

Sorry for staying out of this conversation for so long, but I had hip replacement surgery on March 5th, am in a rehab center, and only have dial up <GAG!> access to the internet.

I will just chime in with a few comments

Basically I don't care if I get strange looks from people.

However, if people make any comments at me, or even related to me but not directed toward me, I will very sweetly offer to give them my ECV "with the provision that you accept all the physical disabilities which make it necessary."

As far as the situation at BTMRR, I have never had any people question my riding a "second time".

 

[Grumpy_Disney_Dad]

I use a personal motorized scooter when I go to theme parks, malls, or any other place with a lot of walking due to my leg. In the past, when my wife, sons (14/11), and I go to Thunder Mnt. Railroad, the handdicapped enterance ramp is at the exit. There are two loading/unloading areas. When you load at the handicapped area, after the ride is over, your train ends up at the other loading/unloading area. For me to get back to my scooter, I'd have to cross a railed area, and the ride track. So the only way to get back to the other side where my scooter is is to ride again (the train you're on always goes to the opposite side you started on). The CM told me to do this and have always been nice, but I can feel the strong glares/hear the murmurs from the other riders in line, even after the CM politely explanins the situation to them. Someone even said once that if you're disabled, you shouldn't go to theme parks and get "freebes". I got tired of feeling this way and putting my family through all of the rude crap, so I get them fast passes and wait for them at the bottom of the exit. Has anyone else experienced this type of thing at TMRR or any other attraction at a theme park?

Don't pay any mind to what other people may say to you. The Money you paid to enjoy WDW with your family was just as green as theirs. If the CM instructs you to ride twice to get back to your scooter, you are just following the rules. When i had to right twice to get back to my scooter, my DD10 told one lady that made a snarky comment "I wish my daddy COULD walk to the other side". The lady hung her head and never said another word

 

[SueM in MN]

When i had to right twice to get back to my scooter, my DD10 told one lady that made a snarky comment "I wish my daddy COULD walk to the other side". The lady hung her head and never said another word

wise child