3 years ago this week, I graduated from the University of Notre Dame with my BA in English and a minor in Business Economics
After graduating, I founded The Rolling Explorer, a blog dedicated to sharing my experiences as a disabled, young woman living in the 21st century
Last week, I had the opportunity to do something I’ve always wanted to do. On Thursday, April 1st, 2021, I spoke on a Disability Pride Panel for the Disability and Human Development Undergraduate Student Association at the University of Illinois at Chicago. It was such an incredible experience and I am very grateful to have been asked to be a part of the event.
Because this Disability Pride Panel was hosted by a student organization at UIC, attendance was not open to the public. Though I was disappointed more people didn’t have access to the wonderful dialogue taking place, the small numbers allowed more time for questions and discussion.
Since this was my first time speaking on a panel, specifically a disability pride panel, I thought it would be fruitful to share my thoughts and feelings on the event. By doing so, I hope other institutions and organizations can learn about the importance of events like this one and hopefully host their own versions in the future.
Without further ado, here are the top 4 things I learned from speaking on UIC’s Disability Pride Panel.
Below I have outlined some of the steps I have personally taken over the last few months to help me appreciate my body more as well as some that I am planning on implementing into my daily routine in the upcoming weeks. While I haven’t been able to test out my progress at a proper social event, I can already tell that my confidence has improved drastically!
Keep reading to see how you too can learn to start LOVING YOUR BODY by Valentine’s Day!
I started to read this book slowly, and quickly realized that I wanted to make it my January book of the month for 2 reasons:
1. I think talking about the ways in which my disability has impacted the way I view money is important to the wider conversation of ableism and disability.
2. Everyone deserves to feel empowered to make the money they deserve after the hellish year we have all been put through.
I know I’ve said this a million times on social media and that at least 3 other blog posts begin with this same sentiment, but that’s because it is so glaringly obvious.
2020 was the worst. It’s been mentally and physically draining for pretty much everyone around the world. But, no group or community has felt the full blow like the disability community.
The disability community has once again been forced into hiding thanks to the irresponsible behavior of our neighbors. Our worth has been called into question by both strangers on the street and medical professionals. It truly felt as if we were shoved backward through time. As the disability community shouted and exclaimed their joy over the 30th anniversary of the ADA, we were simultaneously being silenced.
In today’s blog post I talk about becoming a better disability community ally in 2021 and some basic easy steps you can take to do better this year.
Up until last fall, I hardly ever let my picture be taken sitting down. Part of the reasoning was my aversion to showing off my stomach rolls. I’ve always struggled with body image, and if I had nothing to block my tummy from view, I was guaranteed to be self-conscious.
The bigger and more problematic reason I avoided these types of photos, though, was my aversion to my mobility aids. I didn’t like the idea of “looking disabled.” There is such a stigma surrounding wheelchairs, crutches, canes, and prosthetics, not to mention bulkier medical equipment, that it’s hard for people who require these devices to not feel ashamed of needing them.
If you have followed me on Instagram for a while and diligently remember all of the things I post, you know that I actually started reading Girl, Stop Apologizing back in February/March.
So, now you’re wondering why on EARTH it has taken me almost 4+ months to finish.
Is it long? Complicated? Boring?
No. It is a relatable read full of amazing tips and tricks to help you live an intentional life.
The book is split into 3 sections.
EXCUSES TO LET GO OF
BEHAVIORS TO ADOPT
SKILLS TO ACQUIRE
I stopped reading when I got to the “Behaviors” section because I realized something very important.
I wasn’t ready.
Over the past year, I have had to unlearn so many stigmas I believed about myself and the disabled community. Ableism runs DEEP in our society and I still have to correct myself now and again.
That is why I do what I do.
If I, having lived with a disability my entire life, have to unlearn the way I think about the disabled lived condition, you do too.
We all do.
So, whether you’re one of my original subscribers, or brand new to the party this week, let’s look back on the top 10 things you should have learned by following my blog and social media accounts this year.
Unfortunately, the #BlackLivesMatter movement is already starting to see a decline in media coverage. The initial thrill of leaving your house for the first time in months is fading. Your ability to donate is dwindling. You’ve signed every petition you’ve come across.
Now what?
In order for this movement to transcend the month of June, people around the world need to make some serious changes to their daily life.
I do not have corona, but I am outrageously unwell. I sit in my house, and scroll through headlines on social media and instantly begin to feel nauseated and heartbroken. Each day that passes causes me such severe, physical pain that I am not sure what to do or how to move forward.
The United States may just now be facing a deadly and seemingly unstoppable pandemic, but we have been sick for a very, very long time.