When ableism comes at you from so many directions, it can be challenging to avoid internalizing it. I can’t recall a time when I haven’t struggled with this in some way. My cheeks have burned red with embarrassment as I asked for help with certain physical tasks. I’ve apologized when plans needed to change because the place someone suggested has stairs. I’ve lost sleep over fears that my disability makes me undeserving of being romantically loved. When such thoughts cross my mind, I have to remind myself that my disability does not make me burdensome or embarrassing. If anyone thinks of me
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