I have cerebral palsy. Since I was child the rule has been don't help me unless I ask for it. My family and those who know me well have always been very good at following the rule. There are many well meaning people who want to hold a door for me, which is appreciated if I am using my walker, however when I am walker free for short distances people still want to open a door for me, but when I am walker free that is more of a safety hazard because I use the door to help with balance.

People as sometimes make the error of thinking I am mentally challenged and speak to me in that rather condescending voice when I have the walker, but it only takes a few words from me to realize their error. I just use a very adult vocabulary,but that this even happens in this day and age is ridiculous to me. I have everything in life that my other 8 siblings have. On the other hand I am grateful that there are caring people in the world.