You are correct about that. For a time, I walked with braces/crutches, but it became a strain on me once I became a pre-teen. I enjoyed walking while young, but once it became a chore, I hated it. I begged my parents to allow me to stop using my braces/crutches. My physical therapists and Dr's kicked up a HELL of a fuss, but, my parents listened to me! Granted, it took awhile; about two years. But, I became fully wheelchair bound BY choice at the age of 11. I also have NOT looked back. I do not miss walking, because, it wasn't actually walking under my own power. The braces were cumbersome and hurt me. It wasn't easy, so, we did the realistic thing for me.
I also would like to add that the majority of people I know with spina bifida ALSO give up their braces/crutches by the time they reach their teen years. There are a few who don't, but the majority do.
It's not the same, nor is it as crucial as communication is, but it does give me an appreciation for what the deaf have chosen for themselves. Not all deaf, perhaps, but many.
