Lindsay Thompson wants her son to know that options for disabilities lead to more in life, not less.
“He doesn’t want to become an advocate,” shares Lindsay Thompson, mother of teenager Emerson Potter.
Emerson was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at one-years-old. Now as a teen, he doesn’t want to be seen as “different.” But Lindsay wants to make sure he knows when to speak up and who to ask.
“If there’s something that will make his life easier, I want him to talk about it,” she says. “Not to everybody, but to who matters.”
Since receiving a bike through a Variety grant, he has been able to participate in more activities, such as bike rides and sports with both family and friends. The bike is customized to Emerson, allowing lower exertion and easier use of his hands and legs.
Lindsay shares her biggest hope is that the bike will help him embrace the many other options for accessibility. And instead of being embarrassed by them, to utilize them to the fullest.
As an advocate for her son’s joy, she also finds herself advocating for other families. And she believes Emerson’s acceptance of the tools he needs will help others in their own disability journeys.
“I think the bike has always been a tool, a really important tool for fun and independence,” she shares.
Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that causes lifelong physical disabilities that affect a person’s movement, muscle control and posture. Like all disabilities, cerebral palsy affects everyone differently.
Lindsay believes that no matter how different one’s journey or experience, that it’s good to go with the adaptations and things that come with having a disability. To take the things that work and fit for you and then leave what doesn’t.
The bike still takes work physically to maneuver the pedaling and breaking, but Emerson has shared that he can already feel his hands getting stronger.
“The look on his face,” says Lindsay, “that kid was beaming.”