Perspectives

If I am not for myself, then who will be for me?
If I am not for others, what am I?
And if not now, when?
- Hillel The Elder

I have had to overcome two distinct frameworks of my disability for at least 10 years, maybe longer. I had to become comfortable with myself as an individual with an unfortunate circumstance standing in his way. This may seem easy enough at first thought, especially if you are part of the public that sees me trudge up and down the halls and across campus at The Ohio State University at Mansfield. Truth is, it has been one of the most difficult journeys I have taken, and it will surely continue to present problems until I am no longer walking.

Do I realize my disability? Sure I do. I interact with it every day as I use the handicap-accesible bathroom stalls, or get into my car equipped with hand controls. But the degree to which processes and objects govern my daily life as a young man whose rhythmic, pendulum-like stroll seems to be the main thing setting him apart from the able-bodied world, is minimal than many others who sometimes suffer as I do. The public sees that waddle, and already (probably before they realize) they make judgements. Many don't get to see how I really go about my daily business, walking strangely being a very small part of that process. But that difference ends now.

As I see it, I walk a bit differently than much of the rest of the world. That's where my self-perception is paramount to my journey, and my mind is the beginning of that ride. I strongly believe that it is of the utmost importance to those individuals struggling with their disability to do your best to rid yourself of the mental confines it entails first, and then, if possible, work toward distancing yourself from your physical being. I realize, yes, that sometimes this isn't possible. That's okay. Every single aspect of my disability dictated by my physical self is necessary to my survival and daily function.