Celebrating Disability Pride Month

Disability pride month is celebrated yearly in July. It started as a day of celebration. However in July of 2015 disability pride day turn into disability pride month, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This act prohibits discrimination against people like myself.

This month is dedicated to bringing awareness to people with disabilities and celebrating diversity. This is a good time for people to have conversations about what it means to have a disability.  

I may have a disability, but I am not my disability. I have had many challenges, but I do not let those challenges define what I can achieve. There is more within us than our disability. 

For those who have a disability, I want you to know that you are worth more than people say about you.  Don’t let anyone make you feel less than because you are different. Everyone on this planet has a purpose, regardless of their disability. 

Sometimes it would be hard to see what the world has to offer you. I’m here to tell you that all things are possible, you just have to believe. Focus on all of the things that you can do, and not what I can’t do. 

Some disabilities have no cure, but I disagree. In my opinion, the cure is to stand tall and always be who you are. There will never be another you. It’s your day to shine. You are going to walk through new doors. Behind the door will be a new opportunity that you never saw coming. Don’t be afraid to walk through the door. The next door that you walk through might be the door to finding out your why. 

 You should always celebrate your success. But you should also celebrate your challenges. Challenges are what make you who you are.  Don't give up on the person and journey that's ahead of you. Focus on what you accomplish rather than what you can't.

This month I encourage you, to take the time to get to know our hearts. The heart is different than who we are on the outside. When you get to know our hearts, what we look like doesn’t matter. I’ve been blessed to have family and friends who see me for what’s within me.