Both Erica and Susie are part-time wheelchair users, and needing mobility aids can come with (unnecessary) shame and embarrassment. (Thanks to outward and inward perceptions of disability). On today’s episode, we unpack the messy emotions that come with this transition.

Susie tells a story of ‘outing’ herself at a local village event, using her wheelchair for the first time in that setting.

We then discuss the benefits to using mobility aids and why it is worth it to push past any shame and use them.

We also discuss how it gets easier, and the emotional punch of being visibly disabled dissipates with time and experience.

What we really want you to know is this: If that transition period is hard, confusing, tricky, just know that that is normal. And it does get easier.

Follow: @chronicallyjenni in IG for education and support

CNIB: https://www.cnib.ca/en/support-us/advocate/advocacy-campaigns/advocating-safer-more-accessible-journeys

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Email: iseeyouthepodcast@gmail.com

Watch us on YouTube: @iseeyouthepodcast

FB/IG:@iseeyouthepodcast

Substack: I See You – The Podcast

ERICA:

Website: www.theartoftakingupspace.com

IG: @ericazacharias

SUSIE:

Website: www.susieschwartz.com

IG: @authorsusieschwartz

Substack: The Quest for Less Health Stress, Secrets of a Thriller Writer