Invisible Pain, Invisible Walls: Chronic Illness and Isolation
It’s an early summer evening, and it’s warm out. We’re waiting to be seated, and someone says, “Let’s sit out here. It’s beautiful this evening.” My friend turns to me. “Will that be ok?” I can feel everyone’s eyes on me as I quickly scan my options. Outside, there are long, high tables with backless […]
I Was Granted the Disability Pension and Shame Was My First Reaction
Despite professional recommendation, I put off applying for the disability pension for as long as possible. I am chronically mentally ill. I am unable to work as a result and therefore am lacking in the financial department. After months of contemplation and eking out my dwindling resources, I decided to swallow my pride and admit […]
Disability Pride: Five Disabled LGBTQ Activists Who Connected Communities
Pride today largely consists of celebrations, rainbow-clad community members, and corporations capitalizing on the opportunity to seem inclusive. The major strides in advancing LGBTQ rights combined with the nearly nonexistent inclusion of our history in school curriculums can allow us to perceive the past through rose-colored lenses. It is easy to forget the myriad of […]
How Even Good-Hearted Allyship Can Be Harmful to Your Disabled Friends
The stigma surrounding disability and chronic illness is so deeply rooted in society that it can thrive while still perfectly concealed by its normalization. It is so concealed that when a disabled person dares to bring it up or call it out, they are quickly dismissed and silenced by how certain ableds are that ableism […]
6 Ways Colleges Could Accommodate People With Chronic Illness Better
This article was originally published on The Mighty. After having to take time off to get a diagnosis for and to treat a chronic illness, part of me feels scared to back to university, especially because I am transferring to a new school where I know nobody. Frankly, I am someone who is naturally an anxious […]