The Uniqueness in Me

Hello folks, I think this apology has been long overdue. I'm sorry I couldn't be the ideal person with disability. I spoke fluently when I was expected to have difficulty speaking. I understood everything when I was expected to be disoriented and confused. I took up a job when I was expected to stay home and stare at the walls. I can't help but feel a sense of satisfaction in disappointing people though. When the cab driver assumes that I have to go a hospital and I take him to one of the Big Fours, I can't help but smile at his lack of awareness. Realising that I'm not an object of his pity makes me super happy. But I am sorry for the driver who's left wondering about my condition, work, and my salary. People often told me that I'll fail exams with or without scribes because of Cerebral Palsy. I disappointed them with a Gold Medal. Others told me that only freelancing jobs are suitable for me and I should stop looking for full-time roles but I let them down...

 International day for persons with disabilities just went by and I'm here to share an important thought. Last night, it occurred to me that I'm quick to complain about the limitation my disability brings with it. However, there are a number of positive things that would not be part of my life if not for my disability. I want to shift my focus to these gifts of disability. Informal Learning To start with, I didn't go to school until I was eight years old. In these years, I learnt rhymes, songs, and played like all kids but I didn't have to wake up early in the morning and sit in class like my peers. I learnt everything I needed to from my twin. I enjoyed every bit of the informal learning. Special Treatment  As a student, I could never imagine that people in the professional world would make exceptions for me. Some employers offered me  the choice to work in a shift that suits me while others gave me the work from home opportunity.  Now, isn't that special treatment...

 Hi there, What's new with you this 3rd of December? I'm trying to be more than just a content writer as I create awareness around disabilities. Recently I've started creating and posting videos about living with Cerebral Palsy and dealing with a disability in general.  I've always been shy in front of an audience on a stage or in front of a camera. However, when I am alone, I talk in front of my camera while looking and sounding decent. When I decided to make my first video, I had asked my friend to put together a series of my pictures with my voice over. This seemed easier since I only had to record my voice and avoid speaking to the camera. By the next time, however, I realised that asking my friend for help is easy but it increases my dependence on people, defeating my purpose of being independent and encouraging others like me to do the same. So I put aside all my doubts, fears and insecurities, gathered all the courage I have, and recorded a message of inclusion...