“Well you’re obviously on a pension”

I’m reminded of so many demoralizing statements people make when they see I’m in a wheelchair.

Comments like “at least it’s a day out for you “ , "you’re out early today”

Years ago, I was part of a community radio station where I was co-host on talking on live radio every week on the local government area news.

This was a fun time for me as I was part of the community and preparation of radio content.

It was voluntary and there was an annual membership fee required but that was okay.

I signed the registration forms and was immediately directed by the station manager to the box on the form where it had pensioner rates which was a slight discount of what turned out to be only a few dollars.

I remember telling him I was prepared to pay full adult rate.

After a long exchange of our eyes locking and silence from both of us he responded with

“Well you’re obviously on a pension” as his pointed to my wheelchair almost reminding me of it like I’d somehow forgotten about it.

“Full.. adult.. rate" I threw at him as I ticked that box and handed him the full amount. Not giving him a yes or no answer to his statement.

My point is…yes I’m on a disability fortnightly fixed income pension, but that does not mean everything for me is or should be pensioner rates.