One the central issues of my writing, and of my research in the area of disabilities studies, is a journey of self acceptance. I have cerebral palsy. I am a hemiplegic, which means that my right side is challenged. I am what is called “high functioning.” I am able to walk. It is different and I require support, but I get the job done.
I continue to get into trouble because my athletic soul calls me to do things that are mismatched with these facts. This last Spring I developed tendonitis because I over exercised. That’s why I say that my emotional and physical journey is about realigning my insides to match my outsides.
The discovery of disability studies allowed me to take a big step forward in self acceptance. I kept seeing my life reflected in what I was reading.