Do you know what it's like to live with a disability? No? Well, let me explain.
Living with a disability, although no fault of my own, is much harder than it looks. I'm not trying to ask for pity; I'm simply trying to inform the uninformed. Depending on one's severity of disability, whether it be mental or physical, which I have myself, can often prevent people from doing and/or successfully completing daily activities most of us take for granted.
I for one struggle with mobility issues. I can't walk or stand for long periods of time, and because of this, I have to use a wheelchair when going out in public and let me tell you, it isn't easy.
Why isn't it easy, you ask?
Because not all places are handicapped or wheelchair accessible, which can pose as a big hassle, especially if someone is permanently wheelchair-bound. People who aren't handicapped take it upon themselves to take up handicapped parking spaces, because they want to be lazy and not walk that far to the front door, which prevents someone who really needs it from using it.
Another thing people with disabilities deal with is constant stares, points, and laughs.
Let me say something — just because I'm disabled doesn't mean I can't understand or see what's being done or said. Just because I have a disability doesn't mean I don't have feelings, because I do. I'm a human being, not a robot.
My disabilities are Cerebral Palsy and Scoliosis which cause me to be in constant pain all the time. Although there are different types Cerebral Palsy, the type I have causes the muscles in my legs to be extremely tight, which cause pain in my legs and feet, sometimes severe, though some days are better than others.
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine; which was more than likely caused by my Cerebral Palsy. Unfortunately, even with the help of many types of support, my scoliosis has worsened. I'm in constant pain in my lower back, because that's where the curve is at it's worse, and like my Cerebral Palsy pain, some days are better than others. I don't mean to complain, but to be honest, the pain can be so bad sometimes. I feel like I'm literally dying.
I know I'm the way I am for a reason, and I'm very lucky to be here, considering I could've died at birth, but I honestly feel like a burden on society. It's almost as if I'm living in a world that wasn't made for me, just because even though I'm currently independent, I know I may have to eventually depend on the care of others for the rest of my life. This is my reality, this is my norm, and it's hard walking in my shoes, so before you judge me, get to know me.
