Conducting the ‘broken orchestra’ of my life means surviving chronic pain, systemic neglect, and endless paperwork, while being told I’m ‘too complex’ for help.
My new piece on Medium is a call for true inclusion and understanding.
#DisabilityJustice #Spoonie #Poverty #ActuallyAutistic #NDIS #LivedExperience #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #auspol #DisabledBySociety
What does it mean to survive in a world not built for you?
As a person living with multiple, complex #disabilities, I am forced to conduct this broken orchestra of my life, juggling chronic pain, #SystemicBarriers, and the constant threat of #homelessness.
This is not just my story, but a reflection of countless others who have been failed by systems meant to support us.
Here, I share a day in my life using an analogy based on a broken orchestra.
This also unfortunately coincided with seeing a report of one in a similar position.
However, in this instance, it resulted in a completely different outcome.
They received a massive outpouring of concern, compassion, empathy, and financial support.
The difference? Replace multiple disabilities with recovering from #cancer.
I know many are lucky enough not to understand why the comment below is so infuriating and hurtful to read. #IYKYK
It is yet another blatant example of being #DisabledBySociety.
I did not choose to be multiply #Disabled, most are due to the direct actions of others.
Yet our experiences, complex difficulties and extreme efforts do not count.
Recently, I received a condescending call from someone who seemed to lack any real experience, telling me that my multiple and complex disabilities aren’t debilitating enough to qualify for help from the #NDIS. This is yet another frustrating example of being #DisabledBySociety.
As for my mental health struggles, I’m navigating multiple issues, including #cPTSD, while my #AuDHD is dismissed.
Hi all, bedridden today and whilst I am amazed that I have reached 11% of my goal - I’m sorry but I need to push again.
If you can’t help financially, I understand. A share or even a word of support would mean the world.
#MutualAid #Disabled #Poverty #LGBTQIA #HousingInsecurity #Homelessness #cPTSD #Cats #ActuallyAutistic #SupportAnimals #DisabledBySociety
So again for the people in the back:
This is what we mean by being #DisabledBySociety both figuratively & literally, primarily & secondarily.
What you should also appreciate is that is can happen to anyone at anytime.
Financial & emotional supports can help cushion the blow, but often they don’t always last.
WE dream TOO
WE love TOO
WE feel TOO
WE feel TOO
WE laugh TOO
WE work TOO
WE dance TOO
WE play TOO
WE think TOO
We vote TOO
