There’s more to Me than my Disability’

I know other people feel the same as it’s a common topic of conversation on support groups and between friends who are hobbling the same or a similar path. Why can’t people just see past our disabilities? Funnily enough the DWP are able to see past any persons disability and into a completely parallel universe where the challenges of living with a disability are not even present (wouldn’t that be nice)

Illness and disability can strike at any age. Ripping apart any hopes or dreams that you may have, but you fight back. Learn coping mechanisms, take the toxic medication that makes your hair thin, put weight on, nausea, fatigue yada yada you get the idea and yet people only see the wheelchair, the hearing aids, walking sticks, crutches, wrist or ankle braces. Your career is pulled from you like a rug on the floor but you focus your efforts on other things. Family life maybe, writing, drawing, crafts, possibly volunteering. However there are very few that can see your potential because all they see is the wheelchair, the crutches, the walking sticks, the braces. The what you might not be able to do rather than the things you can do and the skills and talents you can can bring to the table. You put time, effort, research and experience into tasks and causes that are important you but you don’t quite hit the mark or the grade in the eyes of those who make decisions but are happy to use your ideas and hard work.....kinda sucks, actually it sucks big time. Do you think they are looking past the disability or putting barriers in place? Many people living with long term conditions or disabilities have come up against the same or similar scenarios and situations. I wish I could make it right. Shake the world and say get a grip! Use the skills of those around you and their passions and experiences. Be kind ! However for now it’s a case of putting on my big girl pants and continuing to fight for the rights of disabled people. Fighting to make the world more inclusive and raising awareness of all disabilities whether you can see them or not. Just because a person has a particular disability does not mean they can not be a part of society and make a difference.

I made this video with Arthritis Research UK nearly 4 years ago, I was at an all time low just being evicted from 2 weeks in hospital suffering with the most horrendous flare up. This is my life living with severe RA and hypermobility. I like to think of it as being Differently Abled not Disabled.
https://vimeo.com/149154005

Please see past the persons challenges and see their potential, their spirit, their soul. There is more to a person than their disability.