Disabilities Reflection

During the wheelchair simulation, an insight I gained from this experience was the conflicting views individuals have when asking for help and telling others when you do not need their assistance without hurting their feelings. For most of the simulation, my partners assumed I needed their help with wheelchair mobility. However, for the most part, I was able to independently move from one location to another without the assistance of others. I did not want to offend them by stating I would prefer no one pushing me so I can gain the upper body strength needed to push myself for long distances when no one was around.
I have always praised myself for being an independent person, so asking for help when I was unable to complete a task, such as
When I was simulating being a paraplegic, I felt very uncomfortable. I saw many people staring. Some people I would make eye-contact with and they would quickly look away, while others would turn around when they thought I was not looking. The stares, even if they were quick, made me feel like the individuals felt sorry for me. I wanted to let them know that I am just like you, however, I do not have the capability to use my lower extremity and require an assistive device, a wheelchair, for a mobility aid. I can see why individuals who have a disability experience depression. I felt like I was a hassle for my team members when shopping. Instead of enjoying their time, they were concerned with pushing me around. Asking for their assistance to grab a shirt and them thinking I needed their assistance made me want to go online shopping instead. Feeling like a burden would prevent me from hanging out with my friends and live a life of isolation, leading to depression. I would no longer be able to do the things I love, which includes adventurous activities such as rock climbing and cliff