For me, disability isn’t just a medical condition or a set of support needs. It’s part of who I am – a source of creativity, resilience, connection and community.
Disability has shaped my worldview, my education, my work, my relationships, the way I navigate life. I often say: “Just like the colour of my eyes and my love of dogs, cerebral palsy is part of who I am.”
But that sense of pride didn’t happen overnight. Like many disabled people, I’ve had to navigate the tension between being highly visible physically, yet sometimes completely invisible in society’s expectations and systems. Belonging is not about being fixed. It’s about being valued exactly as you are.
Today, recognising and valuing people as unique individuals, and embracing disability as a normal part of the human experience, is even more vital – particularly in the current climate, with ED&I work under so much scrutiny.
Everyone has something that is potentially disabling. At We Are All Disabled, we want to embrace disability as a normal part of life and open discussion and debate in order to disrupt the narrative and create positive change. It’s about building a fairer, happier, and more inclusive world.
We are keen to hear from people with lived experience to share their stories – whether you’ve had a disability from birth, acquired one, experienced temporary disability, or assist a disabled person. Hearing these stories is powerful, moving, and educational, and we are grateful to all the brave volunteers who have shared so far.
As Brene Brown says, “People who wade into discomfort and vulnerability and tell the truth about their stories are the real badasses.”
If you have a story to share then please get in touch today.
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
