Best.Decision.Ever

To think I almost missed this: my son, out and about enjoying life.

Here’s one thing I can be thankful for every single day without hesitation – Aidan’s power wheelchair. It’s given him independence.

And to think I almost said no. No, I don’t believe he can drive that. No, it’s too complicated to be a part of our life. No, it’s just not appropriate. No, Aidan’s not smart enough.

I’m so glad Aidan proved me wrong in my moment of doubt.

This is why I want to sing to the mountaintops, or at the very least preach a little bit to every parent considering wheels for their child; Aidan’s wheelchair has encouraged the very skill it seemed to be replacing – walking. Aidan has seen the world and he wants more of it anyway he can get it – driving, walking, skateboarding, whatever. (ok, maybe not the last one). It’s counterintuitive, I know, but Aidan’s mad driving skills have made him a better walker. It’s all about motivation.

“Talkers,” or AAC devices, or iPads with communication apps, do the same thing; they look like they’re replacing verbal communication when they are really encouraging it.

I absolutely understand why parents may hesitate to get a power chair for their child. It feels like giving up. I hated the thought of Aidan using a wheelchair. It makes him look so….disabled.

Until you see him drive. Then you see his ability to discover and defy and conquer his little corner of the world.

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This is my disclaimer to tell you I’m not a physical therapist and getting the right wheelchair is a very individual decision and should be made by parents and professionals together.

Shared at Ellen Stumbo

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