As a disabled person, like it or not, you are an ambassador who represents others in your situation. If you act stupidly, or rudely, or disrespectfully then you can bet that someone will repeat the story. They will also mention your disability, even if it is completely irrelevant to what occurred. This will then reflect on everyone in your situation. It’s not fair is it?

The thing is that we are all emblematic. I have in my life represented women, wives, mothers, sisters, students, gardeners, bridge players, Calgarians, employees, Canadians, retirees—well you get the idea. If you are in a wheelchair you are all the more visible, and therefore all the more likely to be talked about.

Recently several people I know and care about have been in situations where they have felt that they did not show their best side, and have quickly regretted it. My daughter’s boyfriend, Chad VanGaalen, was nominated for a Juno Award last week. It is a great honour. A reporter from one of our local newspapers phoned him with the news, woke him up, and caught him unawares. Chad made a few shocked and stunned comments that were turned into a less than flattering newspaper article. Next time he will be more prepared. Recently Sara herself was at a job interview and answered one question using an analogy that was totally out of context. She figured that she had blown a wonderful opportunity. Thankfully she got the position anyhow, but Sara still wishes she had answered that question differently.

We all make mistakes like this. The human condition seems to be that we often blunder our way through. Occasionally we need to stop, take a deep breath and remember that we are under scrutiny.

If you are in a wheelchair, you may say that you did not ask for this attention. That is beside the point—it’s just one more annoying thing that comes with the territory. So, when you are out there in the public eye, try to remember that how you act and what you do will reflect upon not only yourself but also others. The more you think about what you do, the more you will be putting yourself and everyone like you in a better light.

Have a comment? Need advice? E-mail me at kathryn@cripcollege.com.
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