Questions, questions.

A link to my latest Times column. I could have continued my exasperation at the reaction to Cerrie Burnell's arrival on CBeebies, but it's so ridiculous that I'm not sure it should even be up for discussion. For those of you  who may be out of the loop, I'm sure the linked story will fill in the background.

Reading the comments people made about how her only having one arm would 'scare the children' disturbs me greatly. It shouldn't make a difference to anyone's reaction, but when one has become disabled, this kind of story can just add to the feeling of being 'seperated' from a 'normal' life. I'm sure I would have been appalled that people could be so, well, stupid, even if I hadn't broken my back.

 But I did break my back, and that probably makes me a little more conscious of what it's like to face people's preconceptions. And in a way, it's easier for me. I am merely sitting down, but otherwise 'normal'. The chair is pretty conspicuous, so there is less chance of a double take, and I don't have to decide whether to attempt to disguise my disability. That said, I have been toying with the idea of constructing some kind of car-shaped costume to wear when I'm out.