5 Reasons I Am Thankful for My Disability

Today is Thanksgiving in Canada, which for a lot of families, means getting together, eating delicious food, and showing gratitude for all the good we have in our lives. Although festivities do look a little different this year due to the pandemic, I feel like it’s important to still take time to acknowledge the things that bring us joy in life; the things that, without a doubt, have shaped us into the people we are today. 

Like most people, I have a long list of things to be thankful for everyday — my family, my friends, the food in my fridge, the roof over my head, the education I have received, and my dog for bringing a smile to my face every single day. 

With that being said, some people might be shocked to find out I am especially thankful for one other major thing in my life — my disability. 

Yup, that’s right; the thing that has brought some of the biggest challenges in my life is also the thing that I am most grateful for everyday. 

I know this might be surprising for some people to hear, and I don’t blame you for that. As a society, we’re taught to inherently fear disability; to believe it’s one of the worst things that could ever happen to a person. However, for myself and so many other people with disabilities, it’s a part of our identity that we’re proud of. An aspect of our lives that has completely shaped our personality, our experiences, and our outlook on life in such a positive way. 

So, in honour of Thanksgiving this year, here are 5 reasons I am thankful for my disability. 

1.  My disability has allowed me to meet the most incredible people 

Hands down, this is the number one reason I am thankful for my disability. The truth is, I would not know a large majority of the most important people in my life if it weren’t for having a disability. Some of my best friends I met growing up at summer camp for children with disabilities. Others, I hired to be my personal care attendants and we ended up developing the best friendship, even after their career path led them to different opportunities. I have travelled to conferences, charity events, and medical facilities where I have had the opportunity to meet the most incredible families navigating the exact same experiences as I am. I even have friends from the other side of the globe, all because our shared experiences of disability have brought us together. 

It’s weird to think that if it weren’t for my disability, none of these incredible people would be in my life. I am so thankful that my disability has allowed me to connect with people I otherwise would have never crossed paths with.

2. My disability has allowed me to be resourceful and an innate problem-solver 

Growing up with a progressive neuromuscular disorder, I was always forced to adapt to the environment around me and find ways to do things as independently as possible, even if there were challenges. Because of this, I find that my brain can often find creative solutions to problems that others would quickly deem impossible. 

I need to move heavy furniture? No problem, I can push it with my chair. 

I have lost the strength to type on a laptop keyboard? That’s okay, I can use my iPhone keyboard and mirror the text onto my laptop screen. 

I can’t reach something? Let me wiggle it over my way with the end of a pencil or fly swatter. 

The point is, my disability has inherently programmed my brain to think differently and use the limited physical capacity I have to achieve great things. Not only is this an asset in my personal everyday life, but it’s a great skill I’ve been able to bring to my professional life, as well.

3.  My disability has allowed me to not take life for granted, ever

When I was diagnosed, the life expectancy for someone with SMA was 2 years old. My parents never hid this from me, either. We would have open and very honest conversations about my diagnosis at the dinner table, and I vividly remember hearing the phrase “SMA is the number one genetic killer of babies under the age of two” at every single charity event I went to. This may be morbid to parents nowadays, but I’m so glad that they never sheltered me from the very possible reality of my disease. 

Did I spend my time thinking I was dying? Absolutely not, never. 

However, I did understand that something as common as a cold or flu could leave me in the hospital, and that certain surgeries I underwent had their risks. Knowing this not only allowed me to fully understand my diagnosis, but it also made things easier to understand and process when I did hear of other’s with SMA passing, many of whom I knew personally. 

From a very young age, I was able to process the concept of death and understand how precious life is. I’ve known babies with SMA that have not made it to their sixth month birthday, and I know individuals with SMA that are thriving as grandparents. Just like everyone else, I have no idea how long I will get to spend on this earth, but having the opportunity to understand death so young has meant that I will never take for granted the time I’m given to spend here.

4. My disability has shaped my unique passions 

Doing certain activities, such as playing sports, was difficult for me as a child. At one point in my life, I remember wanting to be on a dance team SO bad. My friends were doing it, my sister was doing it, and I felt so left out for not being involved. My mom looked for an adaptive class to enroll me in for ages, but we never could find anything that was suitable for my abilities. 

It was at that point I realized that my physical capabilities might not make me the best ballerina out there, but I sure could kick ass in a lot of other things. While others were doing competitive sports, I started teaching myself how to do art, photography, and video editing. By the seventh grade, I had actually taught myself how to use photoshop fairly well and even began posting my (admittedly, very embarrassing) homemade music videos on YouTube. 

Even now, as a recent University grad, my disability has 100% helped shape my interests and career goals. Without my disability, I never would have been introduced to Disability Arts and Accessible Media, which is the unique field of the creative industries I’ve been able to work / volunteer in for the past five years now. I cannot deny that my disability has led me on some incredibly interesting and fulfilling paths, and for that I am incredibly thankful. 

5. My disability has taught me how to advocate for myself and others 

This is definitely a big one for me. Whether it be advocating for accommodations at school, advocating for accessibility / my right to access public spaces, or advocating for basic healthcare rights (like access to treatment), my disability has taught me to never back down on what is right. 

I have been existing in a world that wasn’t designed with me in mind for over 22 years now, and truthfully, not a week goes by that I don’t have to advocate for myself in some way or another. At certain times this can be absolutely exhausting, but for the most part it’s just a very typical (and average) part of my everyday life. 

Having learnt how to advocate for myself so young, I now find that I have an easier time voicing my needs than some other people my age. I am used to things not going the way they’re supposed to, so when there’s a setback or a bump in the road, I find that I’m well prepared to deal with it. It’s also meant that I’ve had the opportunity to assist others — who oftentimes are new to life with a disability — navigate through these difficult situations. 

What is something you’re thankful for today? Let me know in the comments below!

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