Appearance of a disability

I came across this blog and it is one of my fears in regards to Riley.  When people look at Riley she does not look like your typical special needs child.  When you take a closer look, or watch her behave, or find out how old she is then it becomes more clear.

We have had handicap parking since around the time Riley turned 1.  And until recently she was always in a stroller.  I was always afraid that when I used the handicap tag that we would have some idiot come up to us and say something.  Riley now has a wheelchair, a very heavy wheelchair.  But at this point she really only uses it when she is at school, at other times she is in a stroller or goes right into a shopping cart.  I am still afraid or the person who will stop me and say something or give me a dirty look.  But I can't live my life in fear, so I live day by day.  Enjoying every minute (or at least most of them) that I get to spend with my beautiful, special daughter.

Here is what a child with a disability looks like.  And she is beautiful!!