I Have Cerebral Palsy and I Deserve Acceptance

Yes, my disability is physical, but there are things you don’t see. There are days that I don’t want to leave my bed for reasons that do and don’t have to do with it, but I do because I have dogs that count on me every morning.

I’ve lost many opportunities with jobs because my physical appearance scares people, but I still look for them because even though I’m absolutely terrified of not having consistent support to be independent, or healthy for that matter, my dreams have always been bigger than where I am.

I don’t have to share my story, but I do because I and the rest of my community deserve better acceptance through real-life education.

I still cry when I ask for help because either A) I’m terrified of rejection or B) I feel awful that I fear something that should be natural.

I go to therapy because all I want are better relationships with myself and society, and I’ve realized I struggle to do it alone.

I’ve realized that it’s so important to take the weight of other people’s misunderstandings or mistreatment and let my friends handle them because I already have so much I’m fighting. I will forever be thankful for that option.

Be kind today, and support those with disabilities. We deserve to be here, just as you do.