#disability solidarity

zypiris:

mogai-milo:

So today I learned legally that BPD is a disability and idk how to feel about it. Obviously I knew autism was a disability so I’ve know that I’m technically disabled but I feel weird about it??? Like I feel like I’m not really disabled and I feel like if I call it that or call myself disabled I’m taking away attention from “real” disabled people. Like I feel bad for trying to get accommodations for whatever issues I have but also I’m really struggling without them (especially in school) This is just kind of a vent I guess. I just feel like I don’t have the right to need disabilities bc I don’t have it as bad as others. I hope someone relates to me lol.

I forgot to mention in the post I have BPD but now idk where I could fit that piece of information in so I’m just saying it here lol

Hi there. I use a cane and spend most of my time in bed. I get huge migraines that last days, and can’t cook for myself anymore. I’m disabled… And I’d say so are you.

So. You calling yourself disabled is something that you have to choose to do (just like you wouldn’t go around calling random people gay or trans. It’s rude), but I hope that you make that choice. I hope that you can reach that point and it feels good for you to know that you were struggling for a reason, that it wasn’t just you being incompetent or a failure. I hope one day you can wear the title with pride.

We need more people. We get ignored and overlooked, we’re told that we are an acceptable sacrifice, that we are of lesser value than people who don’t have to struggle. The only thing so far that has made the world take notice of us is when we loudly prove that we have not disappeared in the corners, that we are still here and we still want to be treated respectfully. Now might not be a time that you feel “disabled” is the word for you, but please consider it some day if your feelings change. We’re here for one another, since we’re usually the only ones who will be.

BPD can have some truly annoying consequences in everyday life, especially in something as emotionally exhausting as school (And I know from experience). Ask about accommodations. Even if you never need to use them, you will help the next person who has to ask. It should be normal to ask for help if you struggle. It should be accepted and offered freely, but it’s not yet.

Even if you never need to use them, you will help the next person who has to ask. 

This. This. A thousand times This!

We may all have different needs (and some of those needs will contradict each other). But if we stand together in solidarity, and without shame, we can make the road smoother, and the world more graceful for those who come after us.