So often, women abort, or are encouraged to abort, a baby who will have a mental or physical disability. This is a terrible problem in our society! As it says in my profile, I have a disability called spina bifida. I walk with crutches, and use a wheelchair for excessively long distances. Some people assume that because I have a disability, my life isn't worth living. I intend to show these people that every human has the right to life! Not only the right to life, but the right to thrive.
Yes, living with a disability can be challenging, but that does not mean that life is not worth living. My life is not perfect (and whose life is?), but it is beautiful. I deal with physical pain, limitations on my mobility, and some limitations on my independence, but these pains and limitations won't necessarily last forever. I have SO much to live for, despite my challenges. I have a loving family, awesome friends, and more strengths and abilities than any doctor could have predicted. I am an honors student, and have been since middle school. I draw, sing (both solo and with a jazz band), swim, play piano and guitar, and write (obviously). I go on dates. I even play sports! Yes, you read that right. I play sports! Wheelchair basketball and volleyball, to be specific. I will soon learn how to drive and I will be going to college soon. Doctors predicted I would never walk, never talk, and be a "vegetable" by age 5. Well, I've proven them wrong on all counts.
Honestly, my disability is such a small part of me. I have never seen my disability, or anyone else's disability, as a reason to say, "your life is not worth living." There is so much more to me than a pair of crutches and plastic leg braces. I am a kind, intelligent person with a good sense of humor. Our society must learn to look past differences and limitations, and try to see the person instead of the disability. The person is what matters. I do not wish to be known for my disability, rather, I would like to be known for my strength, my kindness, or my sense of humor. Heck, I'd rather be known for just about anything besides my disability.
My story is one of many success stories. People with disabilities can and will thrive in our society if given the chance. What gives us the right to decide if a baby's disability will prevent them from living a "normal" life or a happy life? We don't have that right. Period. Every single person on Earth will face challenges; people with disabilities just happen to have more obvious ones. This doesn't mean that our challenges are insurmountable or that we can't ever have a good life!
I hope one day society will view people with disabilities in a different light. I hope that one day people will realize that people with disabilities are capable of being functional, thriving, happy members of society! I offer each of my readers two challenges today: when you see someone with a disability, don't stare at them or treat them any differently than you would treat a person without a disability. Remember that they are truly no different than you are. Secondly, never forget: All life is sacred.
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