The 10 Commandments of Life in a Wheelchair

[power2tread]

I dont have an SCI but I am newly "disabled" got a stupid disease and now I can't walk.. so I'm having to get used to being stared at and asked all sorts of weird stupid questions, def gets frustrating but Im not gonna let it keep me in bed all day and ruin my life. I gotta future ahead of me and gonna do the best I can to live it to the fullest. thanks for the encouragement

[IlaughedIcried]

Tiffany, I have a ton of friends who are friends with you (most from the scifi/con/gaming community), and I've heard your name praised to the heavens for years. :) I see why. You are so freakin' funny and adorable. I love that everything you said (except for maybe wheelchair technicalities) can be applied to ANY force that makes people feel different or ostracized - disabilities, skin color, gender issues, WEIGHT (that's my deal), etc. Your message made me smile so big. Rock on, beautiful!

[Theophania79]

@IlaughedIcried thank you so much! <3

[mytwilightobsession1]

ur mean... people who ask whats rong with u or what happend rnt idiots, its a way of trying to relate or out of curiosity... god

[wheelchairby284]

I'd like to see how you'd react if someone came up and asked "what's wrong with you?". If that's a way to relate to someone, then it's a really insulting way. If someone came up to me (I've been in a wheelchair all my life) and asked me that, I'd say "Nothing is wrong with me, I just live differently than everyone else, and I'm damn proud of it. If you don't like it, that's your problem." If someone wants to know why I'm in a wheelchair, they can come out just ask. I'd be happy to explain.

[mikel83x]

you are too cute! and i agree with everything you said in this video! ;-)

[harry646464]

Give em hell girl !!!!

Good to see stem cell phase-I trials for spinal cord paralysis underway and so keep up the positive postings !!!

[nunudev]

Thank you!!!:)

[docbburk]

I like your 10 commandments. I have been a para since 1992. No sugar coating, and right to the point. We need more people like you.

[balsant]

OK, So I am a stud by societies standard. tall and handsome able bodied man. I never thought about dating a woman in a wheelchair, but it happened. In fact I just never used to think about people in wheelchairs at all! I was afraid the sex would not be good, I was WAY wrong. To all you people who can walk like me and are "curious" about how dating would be with someone in a wheelchair. The answer=go for it!

[jamesvanw]

Yes dear I feel the same way about a lot of what you said It is tough having to use a wheelchair to get around but there are a lot of things that I could not handle other than sitting in this chair For myself I get around just fine but it is what others that think I have a problem with The chairs can go up stairs or think I don’t want to get in some places My life is good and like others I don’t care what others think I do use a service dog and sometimes it is hard for us

Thanks

Van

[slaughterrocket]

hello my name is slaughter rocket thank you for that video you are awsome. I'm a lumbar4 and lumbar5 complete,and my chair's name is KITT named after Knight Rider .since I've been in KITT I've learn alot os stuff.and yes it is hard to do somethings but I get them done,you are right never surrender and never give up. I don't care if people look or move away from me they are no better than me.at 31yrs I'm faster,stronger and smater than I was when I was younger so thanks.

sincerly SR&KITT

[rainbowlory]

thanks for that...... i think it was great....i will share irt on my face book..... i love to quote Ron White "YOU CAN'T FIX STUPID"

[3willtell]

i lost one of my legs,so i am in a wheelchair 24/7 to. thank you for the words. never give up,never surrender.

[lbcray]

Nice video. Thanks for sharing. Would be great if you could share with us on our social network. google "pushrim" you will see "life after injury". Take care :)

[crazypup10]

Ok first thing first LOL with the grow a set of balls thing. Second in case you dont know asburgers has nothing to do with spinal stuff. it doesnt even make you incapable of anything except easy focus on everything. And another thing. IDK why people hate on people in wheelchairs. I dont know anything about wheelchairs but I doubt they would wanna be in one so they should stop being ass fuckers and grow some balls to be nice. I mean seriously everybody hates on them. Theres nothing wrong with the

[crazypup10]

I got asburgers syndrome

[MrLandlubba]

You are an inspiration. I broke my C1, C6 and C7. I am mobile but in pain all the time. I admire your strength and posative mental attitude

[johnlennonfan30]

I agree with the overal message of the video. At the same I cannot help but wonder why some people suffer so much more than others. No I don't have an SCI but do suffer from severe anxiety disorder and depression...it affects every aspect of my life. Cannot help but feel jealous of others wo do not have these problems. Most people can eat in public whithout almost having a dry heave fit...I can't.

[starkneked]

I'm a three year paraplegic. Some folks suffer more than others due to chronic pain. Some people just aren't strong enough to deal with adversity. Pain is sometimes a problem for me. I accept and deal with adversity. I mostly kick adversity's ass! I don't have or make time for depression, but I used to. I wish you the best.

[clairedelune777]

People putting you down for your differences is something you should never "get used to", because by getting used to it, you are accepting it! By fighting back, you can make the able-bodied community "get used to" the fact that you are in a wheelchair, but that doesn't make you different than anyone else.

[clairedelune777]

As a wheelchair user myself, I fully understand the struggles. However, when people challenge you or don't include you in things, the proper response is not to insult them or say "they suck". You need to fight back. Life with a disability sucks a lot less if you can work to change people's minds about accessibility & other disability issues.

[landth78]

Omg I absolutely love u

[rebiggs]

Tiff, you are a beautiful, sexy, intelligent woman! I am also a C5/6 quad and appreciate your POV. Love you :-)

[ktremmy]

Boy you must have been in my brain, because that is how I have always thought.

You can be miserable or just get on with it !! I & obviously you have chosen to get on with it.

C-5/C-6 when I was 16 - I am now 44

[yidneth]

you're such a determined brilliant gorgeous girl! :)

came trhough the make up tutorial (i'm a mess at make up) and as i said, since laby boards I got used to the static avatar... and yay it's cool to see you moving on video !! :)

regards from Spain!

[blobby1972]

when people stare at me i wait till they are not looking find some were to hide and then stare at them intencely then when they notice i smile and say uncomfortable isn't it then cackle like a banchi

[vivalabra]

you´re fantastic !!!

shit happens, take it easy!

[MJstillCRAZY]

thank you I was searching you tube for something I didnt kno what a video touched me, THANK YOU SOOO MUCH. I'm a level T8 Para.

[neomex54]

Nice job!!! I am a C-5/C-6 can't do that...I have been a quad for 6 years look my videos i take terapy in cuba

[gitz7v]

commandment number 3, i think people should stare at you because youre beautiful. :-D We're all people here. Its harder for some, and easier for others, but we all strive, and we are all beautiful. I dated a girl who was on her way to life in a wheelchair. I carried her around. I wrote her a song. "You Wont Need Feet if I Make You Wings". Lol, she cheated on me. Hahaha. Oh, its true. :) ANYWAYS! Everyone should love everyone! FLINT MICHIGAN TROPICS!!!

[YT28666]

Well done video with lots of good ideas. I am an incomplete C4/5 quad since 1976.

[shawnmowens]

i have been in a chair my whole life

i'm 29 with CP

[ike29ck]

baby girl check out wheelchair tony on youtube baby grl we should have a drink you damn ine yu a dime your the wor of the the dambn am buzztyyyy bitch

[keeva151]

Bad Asses Of The Universe! Oh ya! ;)

[happycrip]

That's some true stuff that you said there, some of it I already knew and some of it I just needed to hear out loud because just like you I do rock and if anyone doesn't like it they can go f themselves.

I have a T6 injury and after 2 years I still get pissed with peoples ignorance in general.

[beebzter]

lol tiff, thats some funny shit right there. you're too cool. you had me ROLLIN' erm..FU :p

[texaspete66]

Oh my lord what a pretty gal, you look like Gwyneth Paltrow, damn sexy accent too

[doodlebug415]

thank you! after 4 years in a wheel chair i am still trying to make sence of it all...i'm 5' 11" and ya know the thing i really can't seem to get used to is being so fucking short!!! i have spent so long trying to be "good" about the situation. all that got me was a bunch of really deep rooted denial. it was so relieveing to hear you say that this fucking sucks- cause it does!!!!!!!!!!and lame as this may sound-it was super easy to admit that to myself after hearing you say it; so thanx

[thursdaysrecords]

As part of a college class, I spent 2 hours in a wheelchair, while completing a list of chores. Passers by saw me as disabled, often offered to assist me.

The assignment gave me an appreciation for the daily challenges of disabled citizens. Making public buildings wheelchair accessable is a much needed improvement, too few places accomodate the disabled.

No matter what the disability, life's worth living! Always find the beauty in each new day. The world is better because you're in it!

[happycrip]

This is probably one of the worst views someone can have about living life in a wheelchair, do you really think because you spent TWO hours on your arse that you understand what its like for someone with a SCI?? (I'm a T6 injury)

[thursdaysrecords]

Sorry that I can't give you a better example of a personal experience. The wheel chair assignment made me appreciate that I did not have any mobiliy impairment. I won't deliberately get a spinal injury to please you, so I don't quite understand your problem with my statement.

Barring unbearable physical pain, I would still enjoy living, no matter what the disability. Yes, living is suffering, but who doesn't? There are always those with much worse afflictions. Life is beautiful!

[happycrip]

I'm obviously not asking you to get a spinal injury to understand the situation and as I have a spinal injury why would you possibly think it would please me for you to get an injury like that?

My point is that after 2 hours sat in a wheelchair you have an "apprecaition for the daily challenges of disabled citizens" - trust me you have no idea, just accept and be thankful that you will never understand.

[polkadotbox2]

I just am not conscious of having committed any offense. All I did was share an experience that relates to this issue. Apparently only those who also are wheelchair bound are fit to make comments about this. Your anger is unfounded and frankly makes you look much worse than it could me.

It is not my nature to offend people. Apparently you have special rights to do just that, as long as your meanness is aimed at those who are able to walk. I feel sorry mainly for your needless bitterness.

[happycrip]

Try not to take it too personally sunshine, I know I don't.

[thursdaysrecords]

Your physical disability is clearly not your actual handicap. Obnoxious disposition is a much bigger problem a sad and lonely minority is suffering from.

[StLouisCards21]

@thursdaysrecords YOU ARE RUDE!!!

[thursdaysrecords]

@StLouisCards21 I live by the Golden Rule. Do YOU?

The girl in this video does not.

Who is RUDE? The one who treats everyone with the same respect and dignity, or the one who judges people while not wanting to be judged?

Stop justifying injustice. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Don't like being called an a-hole? Don't be one!

Two hands doing good work accomplish more than a thousand clasped in prayer.

[wheelchairby284]

As a wheelchair user, I really appreciate you trying to relate and everything- thats more than many people try to do, but unfortunately in the words of South Park: the moment you understand what someone is going through is the moment you admit that you could never possibly understand what someone is going through.

[multitalentino]

@wheelchairby284 Not sure what your "message" to me means. I can not claim to know what someone in a particular situation is feeling. I can only speak of how others can make me feel. Dealing with a disabitly is challenging. A true handicap, however, is a condition that needlessly puts the "sufferer" at a disadvantage, and it rightfully annoys those affected by their unpleasant disposition.

Again, I'm not sure what you tried to tell me. Perhaps you could clarify?

[wheelchairby284]

I was referring to your comment about the 2 hours you spent in a wheelchair. It's a start, but there are so many situations, disabilities, and attitudes that it'd take a lifetime to truly appreciate what disability is like. As for rude people, yes- we all should try to be kind, but some ways people try to relate are rude even without disability. Ask yourself how you'd feel if someone you didn't know asked you what was wrong with you. I hate confrontation, but that's pretty tactless.

[thursdaysrecords]

@wheelchairby284 People who are taktless or rude are that way with anyone. They can't help themselves, because their unkind manner is something they don't view as a flaw. That's why I said that people with such unpleasant attributes are the true minority. Just like racists, bigots and narcissists. They are in their own little world. To be one of them is far worse than any physical affliction. Better to live one more day in your own body, than eternity in theirs.

[wheelchairby284]

@thursdaysrecords but what I say or most of what she says is not overly rude. There's a difference between resorting to ad hominem attacks, and responding to a frustrating or offensive situation with whit- that's what we do.

[thursdaysrecords]

@wheelchairby284 Being obnoxious is not reserved for people without disabilities. If you disagree with that, it's an entirely personal problem.

[thursdaysrecords]

@wheelchairby284 Being arrogant obnoxious is not reserved for people without disabilities. If you disagree with that, it's an entirely personal problem.

[wheelchairby284]

I never intended to say it was, and things like responding to "what's wrong with you?" with "there's nothing wrong with me" is hardly obnoxious. As I said, there's a huge difference between an ad hominem attack on someone or getting in their face just because they said something they might not understand is wrong, and making a small quip. ALL of us could use that kind of humor in our lives- if we did, people wouldn't be so tense about things like this.

[multitalentino]

@wheelchairby284 By the way, THURSDAYSRECORDS is an old account. Same person. Just so you're not confused.

[rmpracht]

Hi,

Im a c7 10.5 yrs post. I share your views almost to a t. You are an awesome woman with more balls than alot of men I know. Keep this up........you are fuckin awesome.

ron

[Trumpetz81]

Quite glad I stumbled onto your video. I'd tell you how awesome you are but it's fairly obvious you already know lol. Take care! :D

[C3POROBOT1]

My favorite is:

Were you born that way?

Yes, damn near killed my mother when the chair came out.

[MarkB701]

I'm 100% with you on the facing reality line behind most of those. I wish some SCI's would lighten up a little too - AB's really do not mean any harm, quit looking to be hurt by their thoughtlessness. [that is a long ass word btw].

I was puzzled by your "cure: it's just a matter of time" bit though, out of line with your "get over it, face reality" bit. Me, I'm expecting to spend the rest of my life like this and it does not bother me. As you said, I should be dead. This is life #2. Thanks;)

[wheelieblind]

I always do #4 hahaha! great list U got there.

[medic1685]

I absolutly adored your 10 commandments. I had a very good friend who became a paraplegic and she struggled with several of the issues you addressed. You are obviously a very wise and highly motivated individual (not to mention an absolute knockout). I look forward to more of your bits of wisdom...

[6SpinaL9]

Well that was quite impressive, you have a good attitude with your disability. I myself have been in wheelchair since 1971 also a diving accident(C5,C6,C7)damaged. Took rehab at Jackson Memmorial in Miami got a drivers liscense, hand controls and never looked back. Keep smiling, keep the great attutude and take a little time to educate the ignorant, unfortunately you cant fix stupid. SpinaL

[imbonnie]

ha ha!

[CherylBogart]

Love it! Hell yizzy my nizzy- you are also a co-founder of The Walking Is A Privilege Foundation.

[EasyStand]

You are the cockiest, most rebeliest wheelchair woman on wheels. I love it, and I loved your talk with Kristen Mckosh, ms wheelchair America on Xable. Very good. Mark (the photo guy)

[EasyStand]

great video Tiffiny, thanks for sharing your wisdom!

[frankywebon]

great video tiffany, this will help alot of people who are dealing with life in a wheelchair.

[SpinergyDude]

Cool video.

Spinergy

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