“I received my 11th concussion playing volleyball. Previously, I had 10 concussions from child abuse. My comorbidities and symptoms increased to the point I had to take mandatory bed rest.”
‘Life was fun until my mother passed away. Suddenly, at 11, I had to care for my 4 younger siblings.’: Abuse survivor shares foster care experience, POTS diagnosis
It’s Time To Stop Treating People With Disabilities Like Mythical Creatures
“Society has decided what I can and can’t do. Society has decided I am a fragile creature incapable of looking out for myself. We are yearning to be heard and understood. Instead of looking to us for inspiration, why not find ways to empower us?”
‘I can live the life I want because I have Violet by my side, living it with me.’: POTS warrior shares how service dog helped her find her worth
“I lost the ability to walk; I couldn’t stand more than 10 minutes without passing out. I couldn’t eat without severe pain, and my brain felt like it was constantly trying to come out of my eyes. My body found new levels of fatigue, leaving me bedridden most days. The day I brought Violet home, I had no idea the potential contained in this little ball of energy.”
‘Cars kept passing, people kept walking, all while I was still asking for help.’: Wheelchair user shares saddening experience, important reminder of accessibility and kindness
“The boy asked if they should help me. His dad walked away laughing. That was a moment that can’t be undone.”
‘I let her cry over her son. Because what she’s feeling has nothing to do with me.’: Disabled mom discusses complexities of Disability Pride
“Disability Pride is a journey. It’s messy, chaotic, disorganized. But my pride is my own, and no one gets to touch that.”
‘I came home crying in pain because my joints felt like they were on fire.’: Woman shares long, painful journey to hEDS diagnosis
“This journey has taken me 10 years, countless appointments, oceans of tears, and an entire community.”
‘I like my tics, and I don’t want any of them to go away!’ It was a moment I will never ever forget.’: Mom to son with Tourette Syndrome shares his journey to become his own biggest advocate
“He has changed me into a better person, a better mother. He is my hero.”
‘A father and daughter walked over to say, ‘Happy Birthday.’ We tried to hold back tears.’: Mom appreciates simple kindness towards birthday girl with Rett syndrome
“She smiled and laughed the whole way home. For a whole day, people saw her like we do—as so much more than just a girl in her wheelchair.”
‘Doctors told my parents I’d never walk.’: Woman with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita walks across stage at graduation, talks defying expectations
“Disabled life can be frustrating. There are many things that hold our community back from experiencing all this world has to offer. But I wouldn’t change it for anything. It has made me the person I am, on top of all the other things life has thrown my way.”
‘The doctor described it as a ‘stress fracture’ but a mental one. She had hit her breaking point.’: Mother shares daughter’s journey with Tourette Syndrome
“‘Congratulations, you have Tourette’s.’ I watched my beautiful, strong child completely crumple.”
