The Power of Disability Pride

The Power of Pride

This is the eighth installment in our series, Understanding Disability Pride.

As humans, the journey of embracing who we are is highly personalized, and is often filled with twists and turns. we naturally gain a better grasp of our strengths, weaknesses, and gifts as we mature. It is all part of the process of finding our place in the world.

For people with disabilities, this process takes on an additional level of complexity. Individuals who are born with disabilities often find ourselves grasping the scope of our differences as we develop. By contrast, those who acquire later in life are tasked with folding this new characteristic into their pre-existing identity. This presents a challenge for those who previously did not identify as having a disability, as well as those who gain additional disabilities beyond whatever they already possessed.

As we learn to honor who we are, we feel the weight of unhealthy expectations and unfounded fears follow way. We begin to recognize that are characteristics, circumstances, and challenges do not define us. We begin to understand that we have the right to feel comfortable with who we are.

Here are a few of the ways that disability pride has personally impacted my life: 

• Pride reminds me that I am becoming exactly who I am meant to be.

• Pride reminds me of that although I might work differently than others, my contributions are still valuable.

• Pride reminds me that I am entitled to dignity and respect as a human being, regardless of what circumstances may be in play.

• Pride reminds me that another diagnosis, setback, or challenge can never change the fact that I am not broken.

• Pride reminds me that I am worthy to give and receive love, in all of its glorious forms.

These realizations have come into my heart and mind gradually, and they continue to grow in power. The journey toward acknowledgment, acceptance, and ultimately empowerment is incredibly difficult. 

We do this work within ourselves because we believe that hope will triumph over despair. We do this work within the community because we simply cannot wait on the shoreline while we witness others drown. We do this work because it changes lives, and sometimes even saves them. 

Here are some ways that you can strengthen the cause of pride:

• Affirm. As we mentioned at the top of this article, each of us is on a highly personalized journey. The process of affirmation begins by affirming and acknowledging whatever stage a person happens to occupy at a given moment.

• Listen. Every human has a unique set of goals and dreams. Before we can truly help someone else, we must first take the time to learn what direction they wish to go.

• Be an ally. Regardless of whether you identify as having a disability, you have an important part to play in spreading the message of disability pride. Help us raise awareness and consciousness. Be with us as we assert our value in the world that dismisses our concerns.

If you have learned something new, please hit the like button, comment, or share with your network. These simple gestures help us spread the light a little further.

Thank you