Disability
Disability can be one of the most arduous and challenging experiences and identity to navigate. Disability can either strike us out of nowhere, or be placed upon us like a birthright. Disability knows no bounds in terms of whom it strikes. It cares not for age, gender, race, creed, or class. Disability, like death, like illness—is a great equalizer. Yet, it often leaves the individual feeling less than, and anything but equal.
Though each disability is unique, and comes with its own individual experience—there are commonalities and themes amongst all of them. The experience of disability is often isolating, frustrating, debilitating, anxiety-inducing, disempowering, and despairing. The experience of disability is often one of perpetual grief and loss. Everyday ,one mourns the loss, and must move through the grief and accompanying emotions of anger and sadness. Doing what one once could, or the inability to achieve something outside one’s limitations is a common and disheartening refrain for those struggling with disability. Shame colors the experience, and often leads to silence—further entrenching one in an isolated and melancholic existence.
Yet, disability does not have to be limited to this experience. Disability does not even have to limit us, as much as we believe it does. As a person living with a disability, I know just how hard it can be. Living with progressive blindness has shown me both the light and dark aspects of this type of experience and identity. Living as a visually-impaired individual in today’s world, has taught me just how difficult it can be to navigate systems that care little to accommodate those with a special need. I am not an expert in your particular struggle with disability—still I know that disability does not have to hold us back. Where there is a limitation—we can find beauty and strength. Where there is meaninglessness, we can create meaning and fulfillment. Where there is hopelessness—we can find hope and acceptance. As in grief and loss, we must learn to let go and embrace, in order to heal and integrate this aspect of ourselves. And we do not have to do this alone.