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Politics and Activism

Who Am I?

I'm more than disabled.

Gregg Wandsneider

Apr 03, 2017

Carroll University

The Wrestling Foundation

Who am I? I am that guy who is blind who walks around with a red and white cane, (not a stick or a pole, but a cane). I'm also that guy who isn't bitter about my disability. I'm that guy who doesn't get offended by almost any question related to my blindness. I'm that guy who calls himself blind, who even makes jokes about being a blind guy. I'm the guy who dislikes being referred to as visually impaired or visually challenged.

I'm that guy who loves when people ask me to teach them Braille, which is the language of dots and bumps and one of the ways I read and write. I'm that guy who uses a speech synthesized software program on my computer to write and edit this very article (my phone also speaks to me; I have an iPhone).

I'm that guy whose high school guidance counselor guided him right into a wall during graduation rehearsal (we still joke around it to this day). I'm that guy who jokes about drive-up ATMs that have Braille all over them (think about it for a second). I'm that guy who wrestled in middle school and high school, but only won one match. I'm that guy who performed in plays in high school and learned how to read and translate the French language in Braille. I'm that guy who says that his hearing and his memory are his two best senses. I can still remember friends' phone numbers from elementary and middle school. Now, I'm that guy who texts more people than I call.

I'm that guy who knows that you're looking down at your phone. I'm that guy who hears you walking, but wonders when I greet you, why you don't say hi to me. I'm that guy who believes that even though we all have disabilities, what we need to focus on in this world are our abilities and our gifts. You and I are so much more than the things that hold us back! So just, come and talk to me either virtually or in person. Ask me questions and get to know me. Chances are that I want to know who you are too! I'll see you around!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Who Am I?

I'm more than disabled.

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There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

1. You get excited when the parents purchase season passes to the pool.

2. You've become friends with the stay-at-home moms in town.

3. You get a chance to eat "kid foods" again.

4. You've traded in your cute purse for a large tote bag.

5. You have at least one car seat in your backseat.

6. Their nap time is your happy time.

7. Lunch time can be a disaster.

8. You have to play the same board games repeatedly.

9. You catch yourself using the same lines your parents once told you.

10. Your "mom-mode" kicks in at times.

11. Your heart melts a little when they do something cute.

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance

2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise

3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”

4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”

5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks

6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name

7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy

8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”

9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life

10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited

11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Don't Be That Person

1. “Oh, so you/your family are immigrants!”

2. “Is Puerto Rico near Mexico?”

3. “Do you speak Puerto Rican?”

4. “You look too light/dark to be Puerto Rican.”

5. “Do I need my passport to go to Puerto Rico?”

6. “Geez, you are obsessed with your flag. We get it, you’re Puerto Rican.”

7. “Why are you so loud?”

8. “So does your family know English?”

9. “Oh my god, Puerto Ricans are so spicy.”

10. “So did you eat a lot of tacos?”

11. “Are you Mexican?”

Love hard, every day, and never be ashamed.

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