My name is Paula, and I am 35
years old. I was born with cerebral palsy, and today I’d like to share my
story.
As a young child and into my teens
and beyond my disability never really bothered me, I took it in my stride, and
got on with it.
I started university, and managed to
complete a degree despite the daily struggles of living with a disability. I
passed my driving test, and began to love the sense of independence this
afforded.
At the age of 20 my carefree attitude
began to disappear, and reality hit. Sadly, I began to have more mobility
issues, and that sense of independence began to fade. I had to use my
wheelchair full time for a good while, but was never going to be beaten. I was
determined, and after intense physiotherapy, and significant blood, sweat, and
tears I worked my way through a walking frame, crutches, two walking sticks,
then one walking stick. I could never get back to walking unaided, as I had
before. Despite all this my university degree continued, and I graduated with a
respectable degree.
Following on from this I suffered an
injury, which knocked me off my legs again. This time despite my best efforts,
I sadly could only progress to the use of two walking sticks. I use my
wheelchair now more than ever, however this is not necessarily a negative
experience. Although I struggled with my decrease in mobility for some time,
and if I am completely honest still struggle with it, using the wheelchair does
allow me to be more independent at times, as I do not have the anxiety of falling,
or pain from arthritis.
Following the completion of my
university degree I have managed to secure employment, and have been lucky
enough to secure a number of jobs since. I have had a very positive experience
of working despite my disability, and have encountered very supportive
colleagues, who have also become my friends. I am not going to lie and say that
it is always easy, because that would be unfair, but a positive attitude, good
friends, and the social aspects of working do help.
I very much feel that working whilst
dealing with a disability on a daily basis will always be a challenge,
especially as the workplace alone can bring with it physical challenges before
the duties of the job are considered. However, speaking from experience I find
that with the support of colleagues, the majority of barriers do not have to
become the issues we think they are.
Working also allows for social opportunities,
which at times can be difficult for individuals with a disability, as social
situations can simply seem like to much of an effort when juggling daily needs,
and general tiredness, and pain levels.
Personally, I have also enjoyed the
holidays that working allows me to afford. I have made some lovely memories
during these times with both family and friends.
My life is by no means perfect, nor
am I an exceptional person, however I would like others to see that despite
disability, it is possible to achieve.
I'd like to know: does disability really have to be negative, or can it be turned into a
positive when in my opinion a disabled person achieves more on a daily basis,
as the achievements are coupled with daily struggles? Does this make disabled
people more resilient and determined to succeed?
