I Am a Full-Time Disabled Person
I am a full-time disabled person.
I am a full-time dietitian&business owner.
I am a full-time human in need of assistance.
I am a full-time human of privilege.
I’m moving into a phase of illness that requires my asking for help. I’m fortunate to be connected to humans who are willing to step in. How lucky.
And as I’ve become increasingly disabled, I’ve distanced myself. For the sake of not inconveniencing, avoiding being seen as different, wishing to avoid a planet that is not designed to accommodate my needs, skipping hard feelings. And I’ve felt it.
Lonely. Less than. Should. Shouldn’t.
Lucky. Unlucky. Seen. Invisible.
I have missed events, for lack of sense of ability to navigate spaces. For requesting accessible hotel rooms and being put in rooms with steps. For not wishing to be seen as needy, while needing. Human.
And now events that have required physical attendance are being adapted to virtual. With challenge, to be sure, but it’s happening. And I wonder and hope that this reality will persist. And most of me assumes that it won’t.
So I’m taking social space. More than I have been. I’m leaving my house to take short walker walks and to get my monthly infusions. And that is it. My immune-suppressed body will take no chances. And because I live where I do, I can keep doing my job. I can eat with you. (And will have breakfast live on the weekdays until I’m back in my office.) I am lucky.
And I wish for the planet to make these accommodations permanent. And I’m saddened by the number of qualified disabled folx who have been sidelined. Because working from home wasn’t an option. Because maintaining certification requires in person conference attendance. Because ableism.
I started this career in an able body. I have the expertise I do because I could walk into eating disorder programs. I left my favorite job because I couldn’t. But I am lucky.
I don’t know how I came to be so fortunate as to have you here. I recognize that privilege is a big part of it.
I know what I know. I write well. I am white, thin, and with a nice face. I am also disabled & have a chronic illness.
So stand with me as I ask for access.
Now. Always. For me & those w/o my luck.
