
How do you feel about parents encouraging kids to ask you about your disability?
I use a cane or walker and wear sunglasses inside due to light sensitivity combined with a chronic case of being fly as hell. I can tell that little kids want to ask me about what my deal is but usually parents will scoop them up as soon as they realize what their kid is about to do. I was at a funeral where a little kid looked really excited to talk to me and started making his way towards me from across the room. When his mom saw that he was on the move, she got a panicked look on her face and intercepted him.
It always makes me a little sad when parents stop their kids from talking to me because I like kids and want to be able to answer their questions. I know that my appearance is confusing and exciting to them (how often do you get to see an adult wearing glitter unicorn sunglasses?) I want them to feel comfortable talking to a disabled person, so I would be happy to answer their questions.
Personally, I find it endearing that kids want to understand my disability, but I don’t know that I would encourage kids to ask a stranger about their disability because there are also people who would not want to have to explain their disability to a child they don’t know.
How do you feel about parents encouraging kids to ask disabled people about their disability? Have you had kids ask you about your disability?