Since March was Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month and I am just now getting back into the swing of writing blog posts, I wanted to share something that I do not discuss very often and that is not only my Cerebral Palsy, but I also never discuss my different mobility aids besides my wheelchair. So, let’s dive into it!
There’s Many Different Kinds of Cerebral Palsy
There are many different variations of my disability. It can affect only the arms, only the legs, or both. In my specific situation, I have Spastic Hemiplegia, which affects both of my lower limbs as well as my right arm/hand. I was born extremely premature and due to that, I have a TBI, or traumatic brain injury from experiencing a stroke and brain bleed. I was not officially diagnosed until I was 3 years old, but some individuals receive a diagnosis much quicker than others.
I Use Many Different Mobility Aids
Throughout my life, I have used many different devices to help me live life as normal as possible. When I was younger, I used a walker that had red handles in the front that I held on each side.
As I got older and outgrew the walker, I began using my manual wheelchair for long distances and eventually, full time due to being overextended during surgery.
I also use arm crutches for extremely short distances because I have no peripheral vision or depth perception, which could make using my crutches, or canes as I call them, dangerous depending on my surroundings.
No Matter the Diagnosis, My Disability Doesn’t Define Me
This is something that was always instilled in me from a very young age. I have a disability that causes me to use mobility aids and medical devices, have surgeries and have many other medical diagnoses, but that doesn’t mean I’m defined by it.
I can still achieve whatever I set my mind to. I received my Bachelor’s this past December. I’ve gotten over my insecurity about speaking on camera and I’m in the process of writing a book that surrounds inclusion, acceptance and education. I have met goals that seemed impossible.
My disability has allowed me the opportunity to help others by sharing my perspective as I navigate life with a disability and for that, I am forever grateful.