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What are the initial fears about going out in public in a wheelchair?

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Transcript More videos by Lisa Rosen More videos on this topic

No doubt, when you're out in public, you're in a wheelchair, people notice the wheelchair, they just do. Someone would notice a girl with red hair, or a person who is slightly overweight. People notice differences, and that's just bound to happen. So, if you're a person who's not that confident, or not that outgoing, or you don't like being attention called to, and now you're just in this wheelchair, and it screams, "Hello, look at me!" It's very intimidating to go out. Even a simple thing like going to the grocery store, you just want to get your Ben and Jerry's, you know, and now it's on the top shelf. So, now you have to be seen in this wheelchair, and be going out, and now you have to ask someone for help, so that can be a deterrent. I mean, have you ever had a zit on your face and you think everybody's looking at the zit? It's like, nobody even necessarily notices it, or it's no big deal to have a zit. So, I think when someone sees who you are, they don't notice the wheelchair. Yourself can be your worst enemy, because you're fearful of what other people think, regardless. If you just went out there and took the risk and said, "What the heck, what's the alternative? I'm not going to be staying home watching TV all day, gotta go get my Ben and Jerry's." Or, "I want to go out and be social."—I want to go out to the club, so I'm just going to take the risk and I don't care if I make a fool out of myself. I'm just going to do it, and I'm going to have an attitude, and be positive and happy." Well people, you attract people.

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FacingDisability.com is an informational and support website for families facing spinal cord injuries. The website does not provide medical advice, recommend or endorse health care products or services, or control the information found on external websites. The Hill Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) private operating foundation established by Robert Hill and Thea Flaum.

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FacingDisability.com is an informational and support website for families facing spinal cord injuries. The website does not provide medical advice, recommend or endorse health care products or services, or control the information found on external websites. The Hill Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) private operating foundation established by Robert Hill and Thea Flaum.

737 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1560 , Chicago, IL 60611.

© 2011 – 2023 Hill Foundation for Families Living With Disabilities

Photography by Rona Talcott