Imagine living in a world where your identity is reduced to a single aspect of your being. For me, that aspect is my visual impairment. But I am more than just my eyes. I am a complex tapestry of thoughts, feelings, interests, and aspirations.
I'm often met with a mix of sympathy, curiosity, and frustration. But what many people fail to realize is that the greatest obstacles I face are not my visual impairment, but the societal expectations that come with it. The world is designed with able-bodied individuals in mind, leaving people with disabilities to navigate a landscape filled with barriers.
From crumbling infrastructure to inaccessible digital platforms, these obstacles limit our independence, perpetuate biases, and reinforce negative mental attitudes around disability. The message is clear: people with disabilities are not capable, not competent, and not worthy of equal participation.
But I refuse to accept this narrative. I am not my disability. I am a strong, capable, and determined individual who will not be defined by societal expectations. I've been fortunate to have a supportive network of friends and family who have encouraged me to take risks and pursue my passions. However, I'm aware that not everyone shares the same experience.
A friend recently shared their story, one that highlights the frustrating reality of societal expectations and the limitations placed on visually impaired individuals. Their words resonated deeply: "My only handicap is people like you who see me as one dimensional." It's a powerful statement that underscores the need to look beyond our visual impairments and recognize our capabilities.
So, to those who see us as one-dimensional, I say: get out of our lives. We don't need your pity or your limitations. We need your understanding, your support, and your recognition of our capabilities. Let's shatter the shackles of societal expectations and forge our own paths. We are more than just our eyes. We are whole, complex, and multifaceted individuals who deserve to be seen and recognized as such.
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I love how you said you are strong and what you have to value. Society needs to see that in people like us. What we can do instead of what we can't.
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