15 Real Perks of Being Disabled (And a Few Hard Truths)

Life with a disability can be a mixed bag. I mean, I’m rolling through life in a wheelchair, and while it’s got its tough days, it’s not all rain and thunderstorms. I’ve got a crew of friends and family who are my rocks, and living in places like the UK or the US, there are some silver linings. Let’s dive in!

1. No Queues

Picture this: long, winding queues at the supermarket, and there I am, breezing past them like I’ve got some VIP pass. It’s not an everyday affair, but it feels like I’ve won the lottery when it happens!

2. Government Benefits

Every month, a cheque lands in my mailbox, no 9-5 grind is needed. It’s not a king’s ransom, but it’s enough for those little treats and even a holiday now and then. But a family holiday? That’s a stretch.

3. A Different Perspective

I remember volunteering at a school in Zambia. Another volunteer, able-bodied, was there too. We both left with unique stories, mine woven with insights on accessibility and the kindness of strangers who’d stop to lend a hand.

4. Friends Ride Free

I’ve lost count of the times my friends got to tag along for free at concerts or museums, all thanks to my disability. It’s like having a golden ticket and smiles on their faces? Priceless.

5. Respect, Just Because

There’s something about being in a wheelchair that turns heads and softens hearts. I’ve had men and women go out of their way to be kind, opening doors and even carrying my shopping bags.

6. Surrounded by Gems

My friends? They’re the cream of the crop. Patient, kind, and just plain awesome. It’s like having a personal cheer squad that sees past the wheelchair and sees me.

7. Making Someone’s Day

I can’t forget the glow in my friend Sarah’s eyes when I accepted her help to make my bed. It’s like I’d handed her a trophy, and in that moment, we both won.

8. The Charm Card

I once wheeled past a ticket officer at a festival, all smiles and waves, and just like that, I was in. No ticket, no problem. It’s like having a magic wand that turns obstacles into smoke.

9. Chore Pass

At my parents’ house, I’m often excused from mealtime prep. It’s not that I can’t, but who doesn’t love a free pass now and then?

10. A Life Less Ordinary

Every outing is an adventure. My friend Jane once tagged along on a shopping trip, and let’s say, reaching for the top shelf canned tomatoes turned into a mini adventure of its own!

Added Spice:

11. A Spectrum of Experiences

Every disability has its own story. It’s like a library, each book a narrative of triumphs, trials, and everything in between.

12. The Silent Battles

But let’s not sugarcoat it. There are walls to climb and battles to fight. Like when I had to advocate for ramp installations at my local library – a silent victory, but a victory nonetheless.

13. Health and Wellbeing

Doctors’ appointments and therapy sessions are chapters of my story, too. It’s a journey to wellness paved with both roses and thorns.

14. The Unsung Heroes

My sister always there, always ready to lend a hand. She’s my unsung hero, a silent warrior whose love knows no bounds.

15. Rights and Protections

In the US, the ADA is a beacon of hope. In the UK, it’s the Equality Act. They’re not perfect, but they’re steps towards a world where disability doesn’t define us.

Wrapping It Up:

So, there you have it. Life on wheels is a mix of sunshine and storms, VIP passes, and battles fought in silence. It’s a narrative as diverse as the stars in the sky, echoing the universal dance of lights and shadows in the grand theatre of life. Every smile, challenge, and silent victory are threads of a tapestry that’s as rich as it is diverse. And through it all, we roll on, warriors and victors, in a world that’s learning to see us, one story at a time. Cheers to that!