A Rebel Brand by Rebekah Taussig

::This is a guest post written by Rebekah Taussig. It’s so romantic and lovely! After you read it check out her blog and instagram @sitting_pretty::

After Micah’s accident a few months ago, he picked out a cane with blue flower print and a glow-in-the-dark handle. (Who knew Walgreens had it in ‘em?) When he was first linked to a mobility aid I felt self-conscious going out in public. I’m used to people staring at me (my wheelchair) in public. I’m growing to love my strange body, to be #seenwithoutshame. But doubling-up on the mobility aids? Pairing the paralyzed legs with the slow limp? Would all of that shame in difference, in inconveniencing, in deviating from the “ideal” tumble back on me? Would we feel like a spectacle? An unsightly pair of helpless wrecks?

What really happened surprised me.

I loved it.

We had a cripple aesthetic. We were a rebel brand. A couple of #babeswithmobilityaids, disruptive rioters through the simple act of existing together in public. It felt good. And right. And a glimpse at a possible future: a world where wheelchairs and canes and service animals and scooters and walkers and crutches doesn’t signify sadness or inspiration or pity or fear, but fits into our fashion like glasses or coats or big floppy sun hats. Where they’re made with style in mind — with patterns and colors, class and flair. Objects that signify taste and personality. I see it, I feel it, and I insist on believing #thefutureisaccessible.

Let’s make it happen.