Voices of Disability

My name is Elizabeth, I was born with Spina Bifida at T10/11 and have been a wheelchair user since the age of 18 months. This project idea was born out of a need to have ableism be a part of the larger social conversation. The need is clear, as a person living with a disability, I am impacted by Abilistic systems, environments and attitudes Every. Single. Day. However, when I try to talk to others about ableism and how it impacts me, I am often met with confusion, denial, or even worse, I am made to feel like I am the one in the wrong.            

It has not been until the last couple of years that I have become fully aware of just how affected I am by ableism, how much I have internalized it and even perpetuate it!  I have found it fascinating and validating to explore this with others. In my conversations, I am finding that many others living with disability and/or chronic illness have had similar experiences and like me, haven’t really talked about it before. In putting this project together, I am giving you an opportunity to be heard and for your voice to become part of the collective voice of disability and/or chronic illness. 

My personal hope for this project is four-fold. First, I hope that the process of writing gives you the opportunity to explore your experience of disability/chronic health condition in your life and what it means to you. Second, I hope that this project gives you a vessel in which to voice your experience. Third, I hope that in knowing others are doing the same, that you don’t feel as alone in your experiences. My fourth hope is for those who are temporarily able bodied (TAB) who read this collection. I hope the stories contained in this collection start the process of changing the way you think about, interact with, and feel towards disability.