Some people who see me in a wheelchair will say, “Can I help you, dear?”. This is said in the tone of voice they might use for a 95 year old woman, not that the 95 year old woman appreciates it any more than I do. Disabled is somehow equated with helpless and thus qualifies one for child status in our society.
Note that if an elderly person is physically more active than they “should be”, they’re referred to as “spunky”. However, I’m not sure “spunky” would ever be applied to ALS.
And my slowed slurred speech must mean I’m mentally challenged, right?
I haven’t yet gotten the “How’s she doing?”, asked of my spouse in my presence, but I’m sure it’s coming.
People seem impressed with how I drive the wheelchair. Maybe they think that just because I’m physically disabled otherwise that I’ve lost everything?