Disability Myths

A look at how my disability can be misunderstood and how it really is

Disclaimer: I realize that there are often more people who understand disabilities and don’t believe in these myths. I have so many amazing friends in my life who accept me for who I am and focus on Carrie the person rather than the girl with a disability. The sole intent and purpose of this post is to spread awareness.

When I speak, because my speech isn’t entirely clear, I sometimes encounter the assumption that I have an intellectual disability as well as cerebral palsy. This theory can be dispelled fast once you get to know me, and realize that I attended university and I’m a writer. I’m a woman in her twenties; I think and feel the same things that my peers do.  I admit that over the years, this misconception has lead to self-conscious feelings about the sound of my voice, but the more I use my writing as a way to speak up and be heard, the less this bothers me.

Because I struggle with certain physical tasks, sometimes I’m seen as helpless and dependent on others. The truth is, I’m one of the most independent people you’ll meet. Since I was little, I’ve had to find alternative ways of doing a lot of things that come easily to others. I do have moments of frustration, but one thing I’m grateful for that my disability has granted me is the ability to think outside of the box. This also contributes to my creativity as a writer.

When I meet people for the first time and they realize that I have a disability, they think that my life has been so hard, and can speak to me in a condescending tone. Those who have never met someone with cerebral palsy before tend to assume that I must feel really sorry for myself, and so they pity me as well. While I have obviously faced challenges in my life, I think that sometimes we can forget that no one goes through life without them. I’ve always been aware that there are others out there who’ve had to go through so much more than I have. I focus on my writing, my family and friends, simply just living my life. I’ve never known anything different, so I don’t become depressed over not having something that was never mine to begin with.  I define myself by being a writer, living with compassion, and making a difference in my own way, not by my cerebral palsy. It’s a part of who I am, but not the whole.