Reading time: a few
You can still say walk and people shouldn’t have to change their lexicon just to suit you (in a wheelchair) and not offend you. Were strong and we don’t get offended.
That’s about all I have to say. But here’s some more.
When I go for a walk, I’m still in my wheelchair, but I call it a walk. When people talk about going somewhere, they don’t need to say “roll” or “wheel.” People do that out of respect of course.
Some people have preferred pronouns, but for me at least, this is nothing like that.
My message to the world is that you don’t need to change the word “walk” with “roll”, I won’t be offended. Expecting someone to change how they talk on behalf of you is silly, in the context of being in a wheelchair. The wheelchair is not a part of me.
I dont get offended if you do say roll. And I stand up for what I believe in. And I do make jokes sometimes because I don’t take it seriously.
The perspective I’ve had since day 1 is that I’m just sitting down. If you’re reading this standing up, sit down and think about how you feel. You’re still you, nothing really changed except that you’re just sitting. Imagine that you can’t stand up. Still, nothing really changed except that now you’re just sitting and you magically can’t stand.
Here’s a quote and then we’re done.
I support anyone’s right to be who they want to be. My question is: to what extent do I have to participate in your self-image?
-Dave Chappelle, comedian, actor, writer, and producer
Wheelchair DNA 