Is This Really The Answer?

Growing up with a disability is hard. Not only do you feel different, you feel like you don't belong. You can sometimes feel like an outcast. You wish there was some sort of tool out there to teach others that everyone is different and  it's ok!

A long time ago I was out and I saw a Barbie in a wheelchair. Her name was Becky. I was so excited. Finally there was a figure out there that not only portrayed someone like me, but other wheelchair users as well. I had never seen anything like it. I immediately wanted one. I got my wish!

One year for Christmas my parents got one for me. I was excited because there was something out there that would teach inclusion and diversity.  I thought it was a great way to give children with a disability a greater sense of self and higher self-esteem. I will cherish it forever!

Recently it was in the news that Wheelchair Barbie was being discontinued. Why? Because her wheelchair doesn't fit in Barbie's Dreamhouse. There were efforts to make the house more accessible, however it did not work. So instead of making Becky's wheelchair smaller, or making Barbie's Dreamhouse bigger, they got rid of her altogether.

This makes me sad for so many reasons. It puts out the message that society isn't as inclusive as one might think. It also makes people think that if you are seen a different you don't have a place in society. I feel that in 2017, we need to be teaching people that everyone is beautiful no matter what they look like!