If you grew up as a child with a disability in the ‘80s and ‘90s, you heard this phrase at least once: “I am not defined by my disability!” It was usually spoken by some well-meaning advocate promoting equality. You see, in the ‘80s and ‘90s we preserved the self-esteem …
Why Disabled Women Haven’t Joined the “Me too” Movement
The “Me too” movement sparked a wave of revelation and liberation for women around the world. It gave women a voice to free the voice they had kept quiet for so long, sometimes an entire lifetime. When women say “Me too”, they say it knowing they’re not alone. They do …
Public Transportation: A Presidential Topic
Every time I watch a presidential candidate debate, I end up yelling at the television screen. It doesn’t matter which political party you want to support, when it comes to issues that affect the disabled community, we are rarely mentioned. When we are mentioned, we are used as one of …
Happy Hotel Hopping
I love traveling and staying at hotels. It’s part of the diva lifestyle that I’ve always wanted. As a child, hotels were fun! I remember going on a family road trip on my birthday and my mom found a hotel with a beautiful indoor pool located in the middle of …
Many Lives in One Lifetime
Sleep paralysis is when a person is aware but unable to move or speak. During an episode one may find it difficult to breathe and be overcome with fear. It had happened to me before and that was my first reaction upon waking up in the hospital. Set aside I …
Fashion for Little People with Great Taste
One of the biggest challenges about having a body that is drastically different than most is finding age-appropriate clothing that actually fits. Although I am almost thirty years old, I am 2’7” in height, and finding clothes that don’t make me look like I’m three years old is incredibly challenging. …
Independently Dependent
Editor’s note: I met César Bazúa on Twitter. His story was interesting and I thought I’d give him a chance to share it with everyone. But I never imagined this. It’s truly well written and whether you have a spinal cord injury or not, it resonates with almost everyone. Read …
Top 10 Cruelty Free Make Up Must Haves
I have always viewed makeup as a form of self-love and a method of artistic expression. Growing up watching my mom always doll herself up before stepping out the door was my inspiration. I loved the freedom that makeup gave me to express myself and allow my imagination to flourish. …
My Life Doesn’t Belong On Waiting List
Society sees having a disability as an enigma. There is nothing complex or misfiring when it comes to a person with a disability. Yes, we are constantly dismissed, looked over, and ignored. And by some far-fetched chance, we have heard it is simply just a stopgap to appease us. As …