Do I Need Help?

How I get things off of high shelves:

Method 1: Bat my eyes at someone tall, dark, and handsome (if it's Ty; otherwise, I just ask politely).

Method 2: Give a short person a boost.

(Seriously, kids can be so USEFUL sometimes)

Method 3: Decide I don't need it that badly and grab the marshmallows from the lower shelf instead.

All three of these methods get used on a fairly regular basis.

One of the most common questions I hear when I'm out and about is, "Do you need help?" It's come to be either the best or the worst thing I can hear, depending on the situation. The short answer is, well, sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. Obviously, high shelves present a problem. Ramps that are steeper than ADA regulations are an issue. Bathroom doors so heavy that I can't hope to open them from the wonky position I have to be in to do so are a pet peeve. If you see me in any of those situations, by all means, ask if I need help. Don't let me get squished by that door. 😄

The question gets frustrating when people ask it at times I've got it covered. I'll be getting into the car and someone will walk up, unbidden, with pity in their eyes; "Do you need help, sweetie?" Uhhhh...no? Elderly church ladies, barely moving on walkers will see me sitting, minding my own business and ask. Even worse is when they don't ask and just assume. I had a lady just about break her neck to push an elevator button for me, then get on ahead of me to press the floor button too (ironically enough, she was getting off on the second floor and I was getting off on the first, so she ended up creating MORE work for me since I had to get off to let her off, then get back on before the doors closed). And I swear, I KNOW these they're are just trying to be good people, and I don't hold anything against them. However, the assumption that because I'm in a wheelchair, I obviously can't do things for myself (like push a button?!?) is, frankly, insulting. My occupational therapist at TIRR didn't work her butt off with me for 6 weeks so I could constantly let other people do everything for me. 

I may not speak for all people with disabilities, but in my case, if I need help, I'll ask. I just don't have that much pride. 😉 

To take it a step further, if you haven't seen this TED Talk by Stella Young, PLEASE go watch it. It speaks straight to my heart. ❤️