Today’s Tip – How to handle those who stare at the “quirks” that come with disability. Having been disabled since age 3, I have had plenty of stares throughout my life! It is part of our human nature to notice things that are different than the norm. My biggest success in handling this is really simple. Smile. Just smile. It will either make things less awkward or make the person realize they are staring.

I have also found that if appropriate to the scenario, start a conversation about a general topic (the weather, for instance). It takes the focus off your disability and helps them see you as a person. If they have questions, answer them to your comfort level. Often, people are just genuinely curious.

Children can be especially curious. I love to answer their questions in a simple way.

Give grace when people say something that is … ahem… not the wisest thing. I can’t tell you how many times I have inserted my foot into my mouth and realized later how silly I sounded. Others do that to0. Give them grace.

These things have worked for me. My most remembered time when someone stared was after I had taken a fall. I broke one hand and injured the opposite ankle and knee. Coupled with my crutches and leg brace on the other side as well as the mask (pre-covid) due to my immune system, I was quite frankly a mess. I smiled at a lady who was understandably noticing me in the grocery store. I mean… I really stood out. She asked, “Are you smiling under there?” I assured her I was; it seemed to make her day which then made my day.

What methods have you found useful to make situations less awkwardwhen people stare in public?