Patricia’s Journey: Living With A Disability & Letting My Abilities Shine Through

Living with a disability is often seen as a challenge, but for me, it's been an opportunity to innovate, grow, and celebrate the abilities I actually have. I was born with Cerebral Palsy (CP), but let me be clear: CP is only one part of who I am. It’s an aspect of my life that I’ve learned to work around, rather than allow to define me. CP, in its simplest form, is a permanent movement disorder that affects coordination, muscle control, and sometimes speech. It’s a condition that happens when there is damage to the brain, usually during or shortly after birth, that disrupts the normal flow of messages between the brain and muscles. CP does affect people differently, from causing issues with walking, to speech impairments, spasms, and learning difficulties. The key thing to remember is that no two people with CP are alike—our abilities vary widely.

Now, you may wonder how CP affects me specifically. For me, it impacts my ability to walk, causes muscle stiffness (known as spasticity), impairs my fine motor skills, and impacts my speech. But what’s more important is how I’ve learned to adapt, persevere, and thrive despite these challenges.

Adapting to Life’s Challenges

I’ve never been able to walk on my own, and from a young age, I relied on a powered wheelchair. But instead of seeing that as a limitation, I’ve embraced the freedom it gives me. My wheelchair has been my partner in mobility, allowing me to explore my home, my city, and my world. I might have had my "license" to drive it from a young age, but it’s been my constant companion that has allowed me to live life on my own terms.

Muscle spasms are another challenge I face. Imagine being in a room full of people and having your muscles unexpectedly jerk or twitch. This often happens when I’m nervous or when I'm trying to keep still in quiet settings, like at church or in meetings. The unpredictability of these spasms can be embarrassing, and I’ve spent a lot of time in school trying to hide them by sitting at the back of the room. But now, I’ve learned to laugh at these moments, because life is too short to take yourself too seriously.

Innovating My Way Through Life

Fine motor skills are something many of us take for granted, but for me, they can be a struggle. Everyday tasks—like preparing a meal, cutting my nails, or even pouring a drink—are not something I can do without assistance. But that doesn’t mean I can't be independent. I live on my own, and with help from an amazing team of homecare workers and my friends and family, I have developed routines to actually live an amazing life.

I have also taught myself to think outside of the box, to find ways I can do things my own way. For instance, I’ve taught myself how to take off my jacket by pulling it over my head, and though it may not look graceful, it works. I get food in my mouth (well most), even if I hold the fork a little differently than most people. The point is, I adapt to life, and I do it my own ways. It may take a little more planning and creativity, but I get the results I need.

Overcoming the Challenge of Speech

Of all the things that affect me, speech has been the most challenging. As a child, I didn’t care that I spoke differently, but as I grew older, I became more self-conscious about my speech. I spent many years relying on others to speak for me, and I avoided speaking up in public. My speech has always been unclear, and while it’s improved over time, I still often need to repeat myself. But instead of shying away from communication, I embrace it with humor. When someone misunderstands me, I joke about it—"It’s not me, you’re just not listening"—and we all have a good laugh. I’ve learned that being understood isn’t just about how clearly you speak; it’s about being heard and being listened to.

Having speech difficulties hasn’t stopped me from advocating for myself. I’ve had to speak up for my needs in healthcare, in meetings, and even when I’m out shopping and need assistance. Over time, I’ve built the confidence to be vocal, and I now take charge of my own care. I go to appointments, grocery shop, and manage my personal life independently. Yes, sometimes I have to type things out on my phone to make it easier for others to understand, but it works. I’ve also learned to prepare for situations ahead of time—like writing notes to the hairdresser or doctors to avoid misunderstandings.

The Importance of Self-Advocacy and Independence

Becoming more independent hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. I’ve gone through life with a deep sense of determination and the desire to prove that I can do anything I set my mind to. Moving out on my own, managing my care, and speaking up for myself were all things I once thought impossible. But now, I’m more confident than ever. One of the most empowering moments in my life came from a young doctor who treated me as an equal, talked to me directly, and encouraged me to advocate for myself. He gave me more than just a new hip; he gave me the courage to take control of my life.

I still have to overcome the hurdles as life changes, but with my abilities and determination, I know I can do almost anything. I’ve walked down the aisle at my aunt’s wedding with a walker, something I once thought impossible. I even gave a speech on my 30th birthday, something I would never have dreamed of doing in my younger years.

Embracing My Disability as a Part of Me

I never thought of myself as "disabled," and for a long time, I resisted being identified by my disability. But now, I proudly associate myself with it. My disability has shaped me into who I am today, but it does not define my worth or my abilities. What defines me is my resilience, my ability to adapt, and my unwavering determination to live life to the fullest.

The path I’ve taken hasn’t been easy, but it has made me who I am today. It has taught me that with creativity, perseverance, and the right support, anything is possible. I may not do things the same way as others, but I get them done. And that’s what matters. I am living proof that a disability doesn’t have to limit life — it’s just a different way of approaching life’s challenges.

So yes, I live with a disability, but I also live with an abundance of abilities that I celebrate every day. And that’s the story I want to share with the world.