July was Disability Pride month. As I reflect on my disability and the upcoming 38th anniversary of my accident on August 22, 1983, where I sustained a spinal cord injury, my mind is filled with questions and some answers. What does Disability Pride mean to me?
Fundamentally, I define myself as me. That may sound trite, but I think about myself in ways that likely everybody does. What are my core values? What are my life passions? What do I like to do with my free time? What do I like to eat? What do I like to read? And the list goes on. That is who I am.
I’m also a wife of almost 16 years. So, there are many issues that go along with that. What do I do to make sure my marriage remains strong? What do my husband and I like to do together? Even basic questions like what should we have for dinner? We have long conversations, do activities together that we enjoy, reflect on fun experiences, and plan new adventures and life goals.
I run a business with my husband called Happy on Wheels, LLC. I am a writer, speaker, mentor, consultant, inclusion specialist, and many other roles within that rubric. I am an attorney. I worked for 25 years for the Federal Government in many high-level positions, and I enjoyed every single job that I had throughout my tenure. What I did as a member of the teams that I had the honor to work with made a difference in the lives of others. Although I am no longer working there, I will always wear my lawyer hat (no worries, I’m not afraid of lawyer jokes).
I am the “baby” sister (even though I am 54) to an older sister and older brother. I am an aunt and great aunt, cousin, in-law, and “sister” to many of my friend’s children. I love family time and cherish every gathering. I married into a
wonderful large family and even though we don’t have any children of our own, my husband and I have 11 nieces and nephews.
My parents are both deceased, but I loved being their daughter. My in-laws are like my surrogate parents now. I am a friend. I’m someone who meets people and once they are my friend, I usually don’t let them go. I still have friends from grade school and have more from college, law school, places where I’ve lived, worked, and a couple of friends
that I just met in a coffee shop. People are my passion. Especially those who are authentic.
Lastly but it’s not at the bottom of the list, I am a woman! I care about policy issues that directly impact women, especially women’s health because I am also a breast cancer survivor. I care about my clothing, my makeup when I wear it, my unique health needs, and of course, my hair!
So where does disability come in? Many in the disability community would have wanted me to write about that first. But that is not what I think about first every day. Yes, I need someone else to help me get dressed and get up in my chair. I am reminded all day that I don’t run my life like an “able-bodied” person (as an aside, I do not like using labels). And sometimes it is darn hard being limited. But I try to figure out what I need and adjust when necessary. Some days are just plain difficult and tiring. That is when I need to give in and go to bed so I can binge on a mindless TV show. Sound familiar?
Disability Pride to me is having pride in myself. As a person. It means that I will advocate for the rights of those with disabilities because that is fundamental fairness. It means that I don’t want to be treated like a second- class citizen
because I am sitting down. And I deserve to achieve whatever anybody else can and not have obstacles placed in my path because of my disability.
After 38 years, I am proud. I am proud of my educational achievements, my career achievements, my meaningful relationships with my spouse and others, my relationship with my family, and my efforts to give back to others, some disabled and some non disabled.
That is my version of Disability Pride. And for me, that is enough.
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Bio
Sheri and her husband Tony, through Happy on Wheels want to help all individuals, with and without disabilities, live happier lives. They offer a variety of services and you can enjoy much of their content on social media. Sheri and Tony love drinking lattes, watching sports, and hanging out on their terrace. Tony is also a great chef and mixologist and Sheri enjoys shopping so he can do his thing. And by the way, Sheri never thought she would get married! Stay tuned for her upcoming book.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/happyonwheels
Website: www.happyonwheels.com