As I write this, I am lying in bed nursing a relentless backache that seems to mock my every move. The pain is sharp, almost as if it has taken residence in my body, reminding me of all the things I cannot do at this moment. It’s easy to feel Read more…
When I first acquired my disability, I was completely lost. I had no idea how to navigate life in a wheelchair. No support group, no peer-to-peer training—just me, confused, frightened, and overwhelmed. As I lay in that hospital bed, the reality of my situation began to sink in. There was Read more…
September: A Month of Reflection, Education, and Motivation September marks a significant period—Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Awareness Month. For many, this may seem like just another campaign or another awareness month, but for those of us living with SCI, it holds deep meaning. It’s a time to reflect on our Read more…
Born on January 19, 1971, Nawa Mbangweta grew up in the vibrant communities of the Copperbelt and Lusaka. He was a man of many talents—working with his father on the family farm, running a small business, and later securing roles with the Melcombe Group of Companies and Kappa Industries. Life Read more…
Catherine, a vibrant business owner and peer-to-peer motivation trainer in Nairobi, has lived as a paraplegic for 17 years. Her journey with disability began suddenly in 2007 when she was just a teenager. One afternoon, she was in the family garden, gathering vegetables. As she bent down, a sharp pain Read more…
Doubt…. Am I pretty, or is that just a dream? Am I appealing, or is it just a hopeful gleam? Do I look sexy enough to catch a stranger’s eye? These thoughts plague my mind, as the days go by. Did that guy glance at me, or is it in Read more…
Last Friday, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Dr. Donna Walton, the founder of the Divas with Disabilities Project. As someone who has dedicated her life to advocating for women of color with disabilities, Dr. Walton’s insights and passion were both inspiring and eye-opening. The Significance of Read more…
Paraplegia, a condition characterized by the impairment or loss of motor and sensory function in the lower half of the body, primarily due to spinal cord injury, brings about profound physical changes. However, the psychological impacts of paraplegia can be equally, if not more, challenging. Understanding these mental health challenges Read more…
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 Read more…
Paraplegia, a condition often misunderstood and misrepresented, brings forth many questions. One of the most frequently asked is: “Is paraplegia a neuromuscular disease?” To address this question, we must understand the definitions, causes, and impacts of paraplegia and neuromuscular diseases. Understanding paraplegia: Is paraplegia a neuromuscular disease? Paraplegia can occur Read more…