Embracing Disability Pride: My Journey to Self-Respect and Empowerment

When I first acquired a disability and before ever comprehending the transformative power of #DisabilityPride, I was devastated. Embracing disability seemed impossible.

I felt vulnerable in a world of roadblocks. I felt stalked by gazes of pity and reductive inspiration. I could hardly see myself in the fog of overwhelming social stigma as I simultaneously coped with my new body and limitations. I didn’t want to be “disabled.” I mean, does anyone?

But…

Slowly, I began to lift my chin. And hold my head up high. I immersed myself in disability communities.

I witnessed our common denominators, our fierceness, and resilience, our adaptability, even our shared pain and exclusion, but most of all our humanity. As I respected all of us, I also gained self-respect.

For me, it was when I identified with this collective spirit that I could finally view “disability” through the lens of Pride.

Today I say, “I am a disabled woman” not because that defines my identity, but because I no longer feel the need to placate anyone. I have inherited a sense of belonging and strength from this disability collective.

After all, there is a heritage that has passed down from disability rights movements, whether it was eight-year-old Jennifer Keegan-Chalfins pulling herself up the Capital steps to protest discrimination and inaccessibility in 1990, or Frida Kahlo’s unapologetic art and attitude. “Fall in love with yourself, with life and then with whoever you want,” or Stevie Wonder’s assertion that “Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn’t mean he lacks vision,” or Dr. Harvey J. Corson, who, in response to the student protest, Deaf President Now, at Gallaudet, said, “I think it’s time for a new perspective, one that only a deaf person can offer.” or the matriarch of the disability community, Judith Heumann who said: “I wanna see feisty disabled people change the world.”

Through our powerful voices and shared lived experiences, disability has become so much more than a medical condition. Disability is a lifestyle. Disability is culture. Disability is political. Disability is universal. Disability is human. Disability Pride is the radical acceptance of all these things and more.

My journey with disability began abruptly, transforming my life in ways I never anticipated. The initial shock and devastation were overwhelming. I felt lost, grappling with a new reality that seemed insurmountable. Questions swirled in my mind: “How will I manage? Will I ever find joy again?” The future felt uncertain, and fear gripped my heart.

Yet, amidst the turmoil, a small glimmer of hope began to emerge. I started seeking out others who shared my experiences, finding solace and understanding in the disability community. It was here that I found the strength to begin rebuilding my life, piece by piece.

One of the most profound realizations I had was that disability did not diminish my worth or potential. I met incredible individuals who had faced similar challenges and emerged stronger, more resilient, and deeply compassionate. Their stories ignited a spark within me, inspiring me to push beyond my perceived limitations and embrace my new identity.

I realized that my disability was not a barrier but a unique perspective that enriched my life and the lives of those around me. It taught me to appreciate the beauty of diversity and the power of empathy. I began to see disability as a part of the rich tapestry of human experience, not something to be ashamed of or hidden.

Engaging with disability rights movements further solidified my sense of pride and belonging. Learning about the struggles and triumphs of those who came before me instilled a profound sense of purpose. I felt a deep connection to this collective spirit, knowing that we were all part of a larger movement toward equality and acceptance.

Embracing Disability Pride meant rejecting societal stereotypes and embracing my authentic self. It meant celebrating my achievements, no matter how small, and recognizing the strength it took to overcome daily challenges. It meant advocating for accessibility and inclusivity, not just for myself but for all individuals with disabilities.

Through this journey, I discovered a sense of empowerment I had never known before. I pursued my passions with renewed vigor, finding joy and fulfillment in activities that once seemed impossible. I connected with others in the disability community, forging bonds that transcended physical limitations.

Today, I stand proud as a disabled woman, not defined by my disability but enriched by it. I no longer seek validation from a world that often misunderstands us. Instead, I find strength in my identity and the collective power of our community.

Disability Pride has transformed my life in ways I could never have imagined. It has given me the courage to advocate for myself and others, to challenge misconceptions, and to strive for a more inclusive world. It has taught me that our worth is not diminished by our disabilities but enhanced by our resilience, adaptability, and humanity.

As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, let us remember that our disabilities are not limitations but sources of strength and inspiration. Let us honor the legacy of those who fought for our rights and continue to push for a more equitable future. Together, we can create a world where disability is not just accepted but celebrated, where every individual is valued for who they are.

Here is a wonderful  photo of me introducing myself before a crowd during a handover ceremony. I love the combination of textures and the composition of the photo that, when I look at it, makes me feel proud, empowered, and at ease in my skin as a disabled woman.

Embracing Disability

In closing, I invite you all to join me in embracing Disability Pride. Let us lift each other up, celebrate our achievements, and continue advocating for a world where every individual, regardless of ability, can live with dignity, respect, and pride. Together, we are stronger, and together, we can change the world.