#brooke mott

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From when a child is born, it's always about benchmarks and milestones. Did they walk at the right time? Did they speak at the right time? Did they learn to read at the right time? But really, there is no right time for anything. The right time is when the individual is ready and if it benefits that person to function in that way. Disabled bodies aren't a problem that needs to be fixed, they are a natural part of life. It's so important for people to remember that anyone, at any point in their life, can become disabled.

Brooke Mott, ‘How does a disabled person unlearn ableism? This is how I learned to love my mobility aids’, ABC

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We've been raised by generations who had a "don't look, don't ask" approach to disability. What we really need for true change around disability is open (but not intrusive) conversations. Don't be afraid to say hello to disabled people, treat us just like you would everyone else. Nina Tame, a disability advocate from the UK uses the example of glasses as an assistive device and how strange intrusive questions can be. You wouldn't ask someone what is wrong with their eyes when they’re wearing glasses, but you may let them know that you like their glasses! The truth is that the stigma around mobility aids is a very tangible example of the micro-aggressions experienced by disabled folks each and every day. By creating a positive narrative around mobility aids, we can be actively inclusive of disabled people. Every empowering conversation, every disabled person you actively include takes us one step closer to tackling ableism.

Brooke Mott, ‘How does a disabled person unlearn ableism? This is how I learned to love my mobility aids’, ABC

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There are days where it takes all my energy to constantly adapt so that I can access the world around me because access needs are often not met. Before I visit a new place, the checklist begins: Is the place accessible? Does the venue even have accessibility information on its website? Will my wheelchair manage the slopes? What's the parking like? How far away is the parking from the front door? Will I need to get a wheelchair taxi instead? As you can see, the mobility issues that I face aren't the most disabling thing, it's navigating a world that doesn't factor in disabled people.

Brooke Mott, ‘How does a disabled person unlearn ableism? This is how I learned to love my mobility aids’, ABC

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Society had taught me that disability is tragic, so I wasn't ready to claim the title of "disabled" but I also didn't even feel entitled to do so. I didn't feel "disabled enough" to use disability parking spaces despite being only able to walk less than 500m without rest. I felt worried about what people would think if they saw me using a disabled park with only a cane. Would they think I was faking it?

Brooke Mott, ‘How does a disabled person unlearn ableism? This is how I learned to love my mobility aids’, ABC