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I always knew I was different I've always been the odd one, the one that stands out from the crowd for some reason, even if I didn't want to. I never felt the same as others, always felt like I had to try harder to fit in with everyone, even my family. I was the sporty one, a competitive swimmer, dancer, and gymnast, the "weird bendy kid" a tomboy, a power ranger and ninja turtle fan, you'd hardly ever find me sitting still unless I was writing poems and stories. I was always in trouble in school, mainly for "not concentrating" but my behavior could be rather "wild" too. My mum was called in many times for the silly things I used to do, screaming up and down the corridor, taking things that didn't belong to me, and keeping a dead frog in my pocket 🙈 Although I struggled with classwork at school, I excelled at Art, P.E., and Drama. I won awards for my Artwork and got to meet the mayor of Southampton at the Borough In Bloom show. One of the sports I was and still am very passionate about is swimming. My dad was a competitive swimmer for Hampshire, I followed in his footsteps competing at many galas, later on in life I would be a lifeguard at the very place I trained at. Teachers started to get worried when I was zoning out and couldn't remember what was being said, at first they thought I was daydreaming… something else my mother was called in for, but when I started having seizures they all realized it was something much more serious. At 8 years old I was diagnosed with Epilepsy, I had to be really careful in the pool not to bump my head. There were school discos I wasn't allowed to attend because of the lights, but to be honest I don't remember much about that time period. As the years went on I still had/have abnormal EEGs, but apparently not concerning enough to be on medication, I've also been fit-free for years now. But unfortunately, my illnesses didn't stop there, and little did I know I was about to find out a lot about my family's medical history, and my own. So mixed up My teenage years are quite frankly a blur, I've either forgotten or blocked out huge chunks of that part of my life. I remember some good times, playing football in the park with my brother and our friends, going swimming, and dance classes, but I know a lot of horrible things happened too. I wasn't safe at home, or my neighborhood, or at school. I was used, bullied, taken advantage of, and ignored by the ones I loved the most. I spent most of those years incredibly angry and confused at the world and everyone around me, why no one would help me, inside I was screaming for help. By age 14 I had high levels of anxiety and IBS, which would continue all through adulthood. I had dropped out of mainstream school and after running away from home tutoring I was eventually put into a special education school. I got into fights with anyone that hurt me. I was so mixed up, truly felt like I was destined for nothing. Writing poems/songs and stories was how I got through most of that time, pretending I was someone else in a story, and being able to write feelings and experiences in songs. I also loved singing, but apart from choir, I had no confidence to sing in front of people. I failed my GCSEs but was told I could still go to college on a Foundation degree. I wanted to do Performing Arts but ended up doing Beauty Therapy. I stuck it out for 2 years but it wasn't for me, I ended up getting a little job working in a shop. At this point my anxiety levels were sky-high, I was terrified of making a mistake. I felt like everyone hated me, everyone I worked with seemed to look at me as if I was stupid. I couldn't work the tills properly, I was always asking for help or doing something wrong. I didn't stay there very long and took a job as a barmaid in my local town. By the time I was 19, I had 2 jobs as a barmaid, I hated it and would never do it again. Somewhere amongst the chaos I found the courage to do my NPLQ (National Pool Lifeguarding Qualification) and from there got a job as a lifeguard at my local pool, the very pool I'd trained and swam at. I loved it, I felt like this was the start of a brand new life. Modeling, Acting, and Zombies! During the period that I held a lifeguarding job, I also started doing photoshoots for local photographers. I became one of the resident models for a studio and eventually started doing photoshoots for lad magazines. Art Nude/Glamour modeling was fun, and I've never felt embarrassed doing it. I felt empowered, the images were tastefully done, and I knew to let someone know where and who I was working with too. I wanted to try everything, so I took as many modeling and acting gigs as I could. I'd always been extremely flexible, all the years of dance and gymnastics came in handy there, and I took up Pole dancing, it's a great way to stay fit! I trained to the intermediate level with Pole Performers and had some great photoshoot opportunities too. One day I had an email from Playboy, inviting me to test for the magazine, but as a UK model, I would need an American work visa, which at the time I couldn't afford to do. It will always be my What If moment. Then one day I took an acting job up in Newcastle to be a Zombie in a horror film. I must have liked the North because I moved there shortly after and have been here ever since. Since then I've been in a few horror films, zombies seem to call to me 🤣 as well as killer clowns! I took some time off to raise my 2 boys in 2013 and 2014, little did I know I'd be taking things extra slow for a few more years! The first piece of the puzzle I decided to try and get into uni to study music, and after telling them about my years of singing in choirs and writing songs they accepted me! This was amazing! I never thought I'd get in! The next year was a mix of emotions. A few years prior we had been going through our youngest son's autism diagnosis, and I was starting to see similarities between how he and I acted at school. These similarities would present themselves again at uni. Not long into my first semester, my tutors noticed I was having trouble remembering things. I was studying but couldn't take in the amount of information. Taking notes was a nightmare, everything seemed important. I was put forward by the uni to get help and was diagnosed with Dyslexia. This was a turning point for me, I knew then that I wasn't stupid! All those years I'd felt dumb, and been called stupid and lazy by teachers, so-called friends, and work colleagues. The more I researched about it the more answers I got. After speaking to my dad (as I knew he had trouble reading and writing) he told me that he was diagnosed with Dyslexia as a child, but back then he was told to just basically get on with it! He was a private person and never liked talking about his feelings much, so he never spoke about it to anyone. My precious dad passed away in 2022, 3 months after walking me down the aisle to my best friend. Neither my heart or head was in the right place to carry on with uni, but making it that far was enough. The second piece of the puzzle After coming to terms with my Dyslexia diagnosis I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. I remember going to some therapy sessions with my mum when I was younger and ADHD was mentioned, but because I wasn't "hyperactive enough" it was dismissed and I was just labeled as another troubled child. Dyslexia and ADHD are quite common together, and my mum said she always thought my dad had it. So I started looking for answers, getting as much information as I could find about my past, school, behavior, hobbies, etc, and booked a private consultation with a psychiatrist. We went through everything, I sent the medical records I had, my mum told me things about my childhood that matched up and the doctor spoke to my husband about what he had experienced with me. It was an emotional experience but I was relieved when the doctor diagnosed me with ADHD and Social Anxiety, it just confirmed all my suspicions and I knew I wasn't crazy. She also said I absolutely have ASD but she couldn't "officially" diagnose me with that as it was an assessment of ADHD. I'm on the NHS list… still waiting for that. Finding out all this was like seeing myself for the first time, it felt like my whole life finally made sense. I knew I could go forward with my life with much more confidence and clarity. But there was more to come, the biggest box that the puzzle came in... The roots At the beginning of 2024, I finally felt like I had my life together again. I was finally learning to live with the loss of my dad, I was back on my fitness journey, and since 2022 I have been back at gymnastics. Then around February, I started to feel the most debilitating fatigue I've ever had along with muscle weakness, slurred speech, and brain fog. I couldn't get out of bed some days. There would be good days and bad days so on those good days I could do some housework or some exercise. I had noticed though that my knees were popping and cracking much more than they do. I've had poppy knees for years, I just assumed it was the years of doing gymnastics and dance. I decided to go to the gym on one of my good days, it was a very basic routine, one I'd done for years, but I barely made it through. Walking out of the gym I almost fainted, I just knew I had to get home and call a doctor. At home I collapsed on the bed, my legs were so weak and I could barely breathe from the anxiety. I called 111 and they advised me to go to the hospital. At the hospital, I was admitted as they suspected MS or M.E. They needed me to have an MRI scan which I said I would wait for at home. Things weren't adding up for me though, like the feelings I had before with the dyslexia I knew there was something missing, and as it seemed, so did the doctors. I was told there was a team of specialists looking over all my medical history as it looks like there are links. I kept seeing Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome pop up amongst the M.E and MS research and decided to look into it. I was shocked...THIS WAS IT!! THIS IS ME!!!! I requested all my medical records right back to my Epilepsy at Winchester Hospital, literally everything, all my pregnancy notes, the times I'd gone to the hospital with fainting spells, injuries, everything! And it all added up. I had dislocations a number of times, the biggest being when I was pregnant with my second boy, my hips would dislocate to the point I needed a support band around my waist to hold them together, and eventually had to be induced as the pain was too much. I've been complimented for years on my extremely soft skin, my boys would actually cuddle up and stroke my arm ❤️ The years I spent with bladder and menstrual issues all made sense now. And let's not forget the IBS which I was eventually diagnosed with a few years ago. There's a test called The Beighton Test that measures joint hypermobility, I got a solid 9/9 When I brought it up to Mum she mentioned that my dad had said he was "double jointed". That's exactly what I thought I was too, I can literally bend myself in half! Armed with this new information I called my doctor and explained everything, it turns out he completely agreed, and said that I still need the MRI to rule out everything else but a diagnosis of hEDS is where we're heading, unfortunately, I need to wait for an "official" diagnosis to seek any medical help, but he's given me some advice on pain management and said swimming is a great way to exercise without putting too much pressure on the joints. I finally felt a sense of completion, after all these years I finally had the answers to my illnesses. What’s next? Right now I'm trying to find my footing as a disabled model, building a portfolio with my mobility aids. I can't walk without my sticks, my body still feels so wobbly, but I'm working with a PT to help with my fitness and stability. I've joined The North East Disability Swim Team with my youngest son, and we hope to compete in the near future. I am continuing to advocate for Dynamic Disabilities and Chronic Illness by sharing my experiences, help, and advice on social media. But more importantly, I'm learning more and more about my condition every day, learning to adapt my fitness, to adapt everything, for knowledge is power right? My MRI is at the end of July, and although I know what I have, I also know I still have a journey ahead of me. But I think I've learned that whatever life throws at me, the one thing I never do is give up, there's always another path to take.

Finding Strength in Shared Experiences When we encounter a health problem, it can be a very isolating and overpowering experience. Whether it’s a long-term disease, a mental health problem, or a life-changing diagnosis, the journey can be full of physical struggles and a feeling of loneliness. These are moments when the magic of peer support can be extremely effective. It can turn a lonely struggle into a joint trip of recovery and development. What is Peer Support? Peer support is a one-of-a-kind type of support where people with real experiences of a certain health condition help each other emotionally and practically. In a way, peer support is different from professional support, which trained healthcare professionals usually deliver. It is based on the common understanding and empathy that comes from having shared the same experience. Peer support stands on the pillars of the ideas of mutual respect, non-judgmental acceptance, and the belief that each person’s path is different and, at the same time, valuable. This common ground creates a safe space where people can express their challenges and coping strategies without fearing miscomprehension. Peer support can be a lifesaver in many health situations, from physical to mental problems. For new mothers fighting with postpartum depression, sharing with other women who have also been through the same can give them a sense of belonging and understanding. Those who have been injured or disabled and are trying to adjust to life after the accident, such as learning to operate a wheelchair for daily use, will get a lot of benefit from the encouragement of their peers. Teenagers and young adults suffering from anxiety, eating disorders, or other mental health issues can find solace and empowerment in peer support groups where they can freely share their experiences without being judged. The Major Benefits of Peer Support Emotional Support and Reduced Isolation Interacting with people who really know what you are going through and thus understand your challenges is a good remedy for the intense loneliness that most health issues cause. Disclosing your hardships and triumphs to a compassionate group may result in a feeling of validation and being accepted. Practical Advice and Coping Strategies Peers who have gone through similar circumstances can provide practical tips and insights from their personal experiences. These useful lifehacks can assist individuals to manage their symptoms, navigate the health care systems, and adapt to the specific challenges of their disease. Motivation and Accountability Seeing others overcome challenges and being resilient can be a solid motivator for individuals to keep on with their treatment plans and self-care regimens. The accountability produced within peer support groups could be a catalyst for regular participation and advancement. Advocacy and Empowerment Peer support can help individuals to become their own health and well-being advocates. Through story-telling, raising awareness, and advocacy for better support systems and resources, peer communities can be the driving force of positive change and greater awareness of their shared experiences. The Common Types of Peer Support In-person support groups. These associations facilitate more personal interactions, which leads to deeper relationships and the ability to form enduring ties. Still, they are bound by geographical restrictions and accessibility issues. Online communities and forums. Virtual platforms give the possibility for people to connect with peers from everywhere around the world without any boundaries of space. Compared to the personal touch of in-person meetings, online communities give round-the-clock access and an opportunity to connect with various individuals. One-on-one peer mentoring. In this model, individuals are assigned with a peer mentor who has been through a similar health journey and has succeeded in managing the condition. This individualized way of help can be super helpful, but it might be more resource-intensive to facilitate. Every form of peer support has its own set of pros and cons, and the best option will be selected by personal preferences and the special needs of the community. How to Find and Access Peer Support First, ask healthcare providers. Your doctors, therapists, or social workers might be aware of local peer support groups that are related to your condition. Don’t be afraid to ask for resources they can suggest. A lot of organizations and nonprofits have online directories or databases where peer support groups and communities are listed. Search for your location and interests. Join condition-specific organizations. Through local chapters and online platforms, advocacy groups and organizations that focus on specific health conditions often help facilitate peer-support initiatives. Reputable online communities can be the places where you can find peer support and connect with people from all over the world. However, you should be careful with unmoderated forums. Don’t let any perceived barriers like stigma, accessibility issues, or hesitancy, hinder you from seeking out peer support. A lot of organizations are doing their best to make sure their communities are inclusive and welcoming, and the results of having a good peer network can be life-changing. It may take some time to try out a variety of peer support communities to find the one that is right for you. Make your comfort level the priority and look for the places that give you a feeling of security and respect. Conclusion The power of peer support in terms of health difficulties should never be underestimated. Through connecting with others who are going through similar experiences, people can find a feeling of belonging and hope that can help overcome the isolation that is often associated with health problems. Peer support acts as a catalyst for individual growth, empowerment, and resilience. It is a way of telling you that you are not alone and that your joys and sorrows are shared by a community of people who get you. Whether through in-person meetings or online groups, the opportunity to interact with peers can be a significant turning point. It will bring emotional support, practical advice, and the motivation to keep going.

How it all started- eating disorders and autism Hi, My name is Isabelle and I'm a chronically ill equestrian, living with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, hypothyroidism, and central sensitization syndrome. I'm also autistic 🧚🏻‍♀️. I used to be a figure skater and rider, training up to 6 hours per day as well as competing in figure skating, dressage, and Working Equitation. In 2018, I developed an eating disorder (Bulimia), which later turned into anorexia in 2020. I didn't receive any help at the time and started to develop injuries due to under-eating and overtraining. It then went back to bulimia again, which I am now recovering from. When I finally managed to get help for my eating disorder (ED), they immediately referred me for an autism assessment. I turned out to be autistic, which explained not only why I developed an ED, but also why I was having such difficulties functioning, despite having great grades and being a high achiever. I didn't even know what autism was until the psychiatrist suggested that I might have it. Other than my ED, I've also struggled with recurrent depression, anxiety, and burnout. I also had a pretty severe concussion in 2022 when I fell off one of my horses, as well as Raynauds since 2020. My eating disorder took over my life, causing sick leaves from school, injuries, and depression. In 2020, I injured my calves and could no longer run (which I loved doing). In 2021, I began experiencing back pain, with no clear cause. Two years later, I fell on my back on the ice and injured it again, which forced me to quit skating. I decided to put all of my energy into dressage and riding instead. Becoming chronically ill During the spring of 2022, I began sleeping a lot more than usual. At first, we put it off to the concussion that I'd had, but as the symptoms of the concussion went away, my sleepiness remained. I slept around 15 hours per night and had to take a break from school, skating, and riding as I was so tired. I went to multiple doctors, who all dismissed me. At the end of the summer, I was also diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which had caused rapid weight gain, dry hair and skin, muscle aches, and a general feeling of being unwell. Due to all of the doctors dismissing me, no one took my symptoms seriously and I was forced to push through. I drank caffeine and energy drinks to keep myself awake and ignored my growing number of symptoms. During the autumn of 2023, I began feeling very dizzy, shaky, and about to faint multiple times per day, as well as having episodes of bradycardia (heart rate below 50 bpm) and a daily headache. I also had a relapse in my bulimia (which I'm now fully recovered from). On the 25th of December 2023, I woke up feeling sick and never recovered. I didn't have any cough, fever, or other symptoms like that, but my mouth tasted bad and I had worsened fatigue and joint pain. During the following days, I noticed that my resting heart rate was a lot higher than usual (around 100-120, normally 65-70). I started having heart palpitations and got out of breath and tired from walking a couple of steps inside the house. My heart rate was around 150 when just walking around inside or brushing my teeth. It went all the way up to 207 bpm from just standing. I went to the ER due to feeling pressure on my chest, dyspnea, and tachycardia, where they did an x-ray of my lungs, which came back as normal. The pressure turned into a really bad chest pain that was so bad that I couldn't sleep at night, which made me go to the ER again. My primary care doctor prescribed beta blockers and sent a referral for a 72-hour halter monitor. I was also tested for COVID-19, which came back negative. My blood pressure was abnormally high (140/100 and as the list of symptoms grew longer I started experiencing headache "attacks" which felt like attacks of electricity or lightning behind my left eye, so intense that I started screaming. As school started after Christmas, I spent most of my time in a dark bedroom, with extreme headaches and nausea. I kept on going to different emergency rooms and doctors due to my symptoms, only to be dismissed and told that it was "stress" or "anxiety ". All of my x-rays, EKGs:s and blood tests came back normal, despite me being incredibly unwell. On January 18th, 2024 I got a tonic clonic seizure at school. I stopped breathing, got blue lips from lack of oxygen, and became unconscious until the ambulance arrived and checked my blood sugar. I don't remember anything from the incident and woke up without knowing my name or how old I was. I was taken to a hospital and admitted for the night, where they sent a referral for an MRI of my brain and eyes as well as an EEG. Having a seizure made the doctors take me more seriously, however, nothing was found on the MRI or EEG. I kept on going to the emergency room due to severe headaches, eye pain, and an inflammation of the eyelids. I hadn't been able to ride my horses since before Christmas and was no longer able to participate in school. POTS In March of 2024, I finally found a great primary care physician who really took her time to listen. She immediately referred me to tilt table testing, blood work, a physiotherapist, and an occupational therapist. My tilt table test showed an increase in heart rate of 110 beats per minute (from about 75 to 182). I got a referral to a cardiologist, and a rollator and was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and Central Sensitization Syndrome. I now have medications for my POTS, both beta blockers and medication to bring my blood pressure up, since it's started to become too low. I also have compression garments prescribed by a lymphatic therapist, drink lots of fluids and electrolytes, eat more salt, and am working on pacing. My rollator allows me to leave the house more often, and I am currently waiting for a wheelchair with an electric motor. My POTS is believed to have been triggered by some type of infection that I developed on the 25th of December 2023. It's also likely that my history of 3 concussions, stressful life events, and a genetic component played a role. My sleepiness has worsened and I'm fighting to get testing and treatment at a neurologist. I'm currently sleeping between 15-18 hours a night if not woken up by someone, and fall asleep during the day. I can't drive because of this. I'm slowly coming back to riding again, and am currently able to ride for 30 minutes at a time, 1-3 times per week (mostly 2). It's quite a big difference from my old life, where I had school all day, rode up to 5 horses per day, and worked in the stable. Nowadays, I need help to prepare my horses and can only do one activity per day. I'm planning on going back to school half-time this autumn, as I only have one year of school left (I'm graduating 3 years later than usual due to multiple sick leaves that I had to take when I had my ED, concussion, burnout, and now chronic illness). Getting sick has taught me to take care of myself, which I used to be extremely bad at. I've started an Instagram account to help spread awareness and keep me motivated to recover as well as a blog. My goal is to become as well as possible and to be able to get back to my horses and riding. Where you can find me 🧚🏻‍♀️🧂❤️‍🩹 My Instagram is @pots_sorkensresa I also have a blog with the same name, but it's only in Swedish 🇸🇪.

My history My name is Joanna. I'm 32 years old. When I was 15 I had an unfortunate accident at school which resulted in a brain stem injury. Because of the accident, I have drug-resistant epilepsy, receptive aphasia, and neurogenic bladder and I have to move in a wheelchair. I didn't give up and I earned the title of the I Vice Miss Poland in a wheelchair and Miss Photo in 2015. It was the adventure of my life. Life sneaks up on us every once in a while and surprises us... Five years ago I had encephalitis. I was in a coma for a few weeks. When I woke up I was devastated. I couldn't move or speak. I had to go back and learn everything again. But that's not all. Two years ago I started to suffer from anorexia and depression. My life has become threatened again. It was so hard for me. I have come a long and hard way and I live thanks to loved ones. They support me in everything. I still need help with everyday things and activities. I am interested in art and photography. I love cats, people, and good music (especially cats). Now I work for two hours a day as an occupational therapist at a residential home for seniors. I try to enjoy my life, be as happy as possible, and do my best with the time I was given. I'm happy to share my story with the hope of inspiring someone.

The start for me From a very young age, I had pain and issues. I remember from age 11 on that I had headaches every day to some degree. When I was around 12, I started experiencing chronic knee pain. Eventually, I ended up with hand pain and other joint pains that led me to see a pediatric orthopedic at a children’s hospital around the time I was 16. First doctor who gave us insight That orthopedic was the first one to tell us about the hypermobility he was noticing in many of my joints. I don’t know if he officially diagnosed me with hypermobility syndrome, but from that point on, I knew I had it and had a better understanding of where my pain was coming from. A whole body condition It has since caused chronic pain in nearly all of my joints, as well as in my bones, muscles, tendons, and more. Hypermobility spectrum disorder (that hypermobility syndrome falls into) affects the connective tissue, which is throughout the body. Due to this, I experience other symptoms and health issues, such as acid reflux, dental problems, easy bruising, poor proprioception and clumsiness, subluxations (partial dislocations), etc. The health challenges I've faced have led to experiencing depression and anxiety. More doctors In 2015, when I was 26, hypermobility syndrome was put in my chart at my primary doctor’s office and I was also sent to a rheumatologist within a year of that. He confirmed it. I’ve seen other rheumatologists since then and am currently seeing one regularly. Since then… I’ve since learned that hypermobility syndrome goes by different names, depending on the individual doctor, and many of these doctors only have a basic understanding of what hypermobility spectrum disorders are and what all it can entail for the individuals in that spectrum. My life currently I now have bad issues with my shoulders, which greatly impact my daily abilities and limit me quite a bit. They are never quite completely in place, I believe they are always subluxated to some degree. I am working in therapy, and with friends and loved ones, to find a new purpose. I also look for joy every day, work on living healthier, and practice gratitude. I still love spending time with my family and friends, drinking coffee, and enjoying chocolate treats.

My Story (Autism diagnosis) Hi! My name is Giulia. When I moved to London in 2018, all by myself, to study Theatre, I knew things would be hard. It didn't take me long to realize without the protection of my family that I was, in fact, autistic. I got a first diagnosis in 2019 and then an official NHS one in 2023. I have always been a scared child, always anxious, always considered weird, and never good in social interactions (putting myself in dangerous situations). An Autism diagnosis allowed me to finally accept myself and, with the right treatment and therapy (and support from my carers) I thought I would have been finally able to live my life! Then the pandemic hit... My Story (Physical Disability) I don't know when, how, or why, but things slowly started progressing. Subluxations of the hips, seizures, muscle spasms, and overall general pain completely reshaped my life. For a physical theatre performer that meant "The End". Some of my lecturers told me openly I would never be able to go on tour, and others sneakily spoke with directors divulging personal information so that I would get the most irrelevant roles. I cried for hours but persisted to prove them wrong. I finally graduated and... the University refused to put a ramp on the stairs to get to the podium. I felt they wanted me to keep me small, hide me... So… I bought the most sparkly cane I could find and painstakingly went up those stairs! (I have the immense privilege of being able to use my legs for small distances). Happy end? Since then, I got myself a lovely acting agent who is also a talented Access Coordinator. I get small roles in commercial and informative videos. It’s not much but it’s honest work :’) I dream of taking part in small productions touring England, living my best theatre life, and playing Juliet, why not? I still have a long way ahead of me and I share my life on @labiancagiulia and @arancinaincarrozza. Thank you for listening, Lots of love, Giulia Photo Creds @benwulfphoto

Just A Little About Me Hi! My name is Kyra (@kyra_oxxo). I was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at 9 months old, my parents noticed when I started dragging my leg when I would walk. At 2 years old I stopped walking completely. At around 7 years old I had to undergo spinal surgery because my spine was an " S " shape. It was challenging to breathe and I had asthma. Before the surgery, I could still stand, pull myself up, and walk on a walker. After my surgery, I went home, I was prescribed Penicillin and amoxicillin, both of which I had a terrible allergic reaction to. My back had reopened and I had to be rushed back to the hospital. After the whole recovery process, I had to go through a lot of physical therapy due to being in bed for so long to recover. My ability to do things was declining very fast. Physical therapy was the worst thing ever, they were trying to see if I would be able to walk or stand up in a standing frame. My disability makes my legs constricted, they don't stretch out all the way. So they would put me in casts and braces and force my legs straight. It was the most painful thing I have experienced. I would feel the bones in my knees breaking. In the end, my legs did stretch all the way out but an X-ray was done on my knees: they were broken. I was homeschooled after the entire process. I became better and was able to attend school again. It was the best feeling, but there were things I was starting to notice. Everyone with disabilities was in the same classes and everyone else without a disability was in a different one. I started living with my dad and we moved to the suburbs so I switched schools, which was horrible. 4th grade is when I started to fight to be in General ed classes because they would just put me in elective classes. From 6th to 8th grade I was fighting to get put into these classes. It was not until the end of 7th grade that I was starting to be in all of them. Once I switched the bullying got horrible I would be asked why I was in their classes, and if I knew how to read or write. When it came to group projects, nobody would ever work with me or pick me to be in a group. I would always have to work by myself or the teacher would put me into a group and everyone would ignore me. High school was worse, I was in all general ed classes and I would still experience bullying. Additionally, people would stab me in my legs because people didn't believe I was not paralyzed. They asked if the battery under my chair was my toilet. I only had one friend in high school, my best friend and she was always there to protect me. Sadly, she switched schools. I started eating lunch in this place my school called the commons area because people would spit in my food at me. If I went to a table to sit I would get dirty looks. Since I switched schools I have been fighting depression because I never understood why people with disabilities are getting treated poorly, why I was singled out, or why we can’t all have equal opportunities. Going through all this made me want to do the impossible and that's why I'm studying to be a real estate agent, am working to be a model, and to be an advocate for disabilities. -this is only a piece of my story it gets deeper

On average, a full-time manual wheelchair user makes 2,000 to 3,000 pushes per day, calculating between 60,000 and 93,000 pushes per week, and about 730,000 to 1,095,000 pushes per year!  This is extremely demanding on arms and hands which were not designed for such repetitive movements. This can cause skin, muscle, or joint issues. Some solutions exist to help and alleviate the strain. You are probably familiar with devices like add-on power wheels for manual wheelchairs. Although useful, this is an expensive option, costing several thousands of dollars. For many, this leads to breaking the bank and fighting with insurance for months on end, without the certainty of being approved.    Ironically, these devices are better known than some more budget-friendly products available on the market.  I-WHEEL ’s well-kept secret is known as the push rim covers, or handrim covers. Although they may look like a very simple product, these covers hide a multitude of smart features and valuable benefits for the wheelchair user.  Let’s have a look at them: The first purpose of the pushrim covers is to provide a hand grip, which assists with propelling. The additional grip helps to get the wheelchair rolling with less effort because the hands will not slide on the bare hand rims. Furthermore, the same amount of strength generates augmented propelling power.  This leads to a double benefit: fewer pushes will be needed to roll, and the same level of strength will induce higher speed or longer distance covered with each push.  The additional grip particularly comes in handy while rolling on not so wheelchair-friendly paths, with potholes and bumps along the way. Manual wheelchair users know how challenging some moves can be. For example, mastering the art of a wheelie requires lots of practice to feel confident and safe enough! The covers can also help because they contribute to greater precision in direction and hand placement, which is instrumental to tricky maneuvers.  Using a wheelchair indoors also comes with challenges, specifically in terms of maneuvering around furniture and door frames. If you know you know! These common, difficult-to-navigate spaces often cause the push rims to end up with many paint chips, which both don’t look great and can feel uncomfortable when in contact with one’s hands. If the hand rims previously sustained some scratches, covers can be a quick, budget-friendly option to hide them and provide the wheelchair with a fresh look! I-WHEEL ’s covers are made of a specifically engineered PVC material, offering a rubber-like nice and smooth texture. Forget cold metal, especially in wintertime!  Not all pushrim covers are created equal. While looking for the best products for our customers, we did some thorough research on the cover options available.  They clearly did not stand the comparison. High-quality material and finishing are instrumental to these products because they come in direct, repetitive contact with skin. Our covers are practically seamless, which means that not only do they look sharp, but they also protect your hands from rubbing against some ugly and coarse welding 2,000 times a day.  Beyond its protective qualities, the matte finishes on I-WHEEL ’s pushrim covers reduce static electricity and limit the static buildup of dust particles on the covers, which means less cleaning!  When it is ultimately time to clean the covers, they can be easily disinfected with wipes, soap and water, glass cleaner, or even magic-eraser-type sponges! Each pair is easy to put on and take off from the comfort of the wheelchair. Although they may take a couple of tries to get the hang of, the covers can be applied and removed in as few as two minutes! Not only is this great for cleaning purposes, but it's also beneficial for changing colors and matching your chair with your outfits.  The covers come in a variety of colors! For individuals who use wheelchairs, accessorizing can extend beyond attire to include their mobility devices. Wheelchairs are not merely tools for getting around; they are extensions of one's personality and style.  The covers are currently available in 7 colors: red, blue, black, yellow, purple, green, and pink, and in sizes 20, 22 and 24 inches. Pushrim covers are the perfect wheelchair add-ons for manual wheelchair users. The product helps with getting a stronger grip, providing relief to the user. It also helps with direction, and delicate maneuvers, and protects the chair and surrounding furniture from damage, while bringing a colorful and personal touch.  I-WHEEL is the first American brand of fashion accessories for wheelchairs. The brand empowers wheelchair users to elevate their personal style with accessories matching their mood, their personality, their outfit, and their true self. We offer collections of products that blend function with aesthetics and put a strong emphasis on the autonomy of the user.

My life so far on the autism spectrum... Hi! I'm Will, I’m from the UK, and I am autistic. I wasn't diagnosed until I was about 14-15 when it became clear that I couldn't cope in mainstream education any longer. I wasn't socializing very well and the style of teaching wasn't working for me. The final straw was being severely beaten up by another student, and the decision was made for me to find another school that would be more beneficial to my needs. After being formally diagnosed at Great Ormond Street Hospital I was able to get into Treetops, a school for children with learning difficulties. The difference between this school and the mainstream one was night and day. I really felt like I had found my people and started to excel in my education. I was later given the role of head boy which allowed me to help and encourage other students at the school with their work. I stayed at Treetops into sixth form and didn't want to leave. They seemed to value life skills over academic education, skills such as cooking a meal or budgeting for bills, all of which are just as important in life as academics. Once I left Treetops, I went to University to study Media and Film Production. I dropped out of University in my final year due to a mental health breakdown. I hope to someday go back and complete my degree. In later years I worked in retail mostly and currently work at a cinema. Film has always been a big interest of mine and so to be able to talk to customers every day about the latest release is something I really enjoy. Of course, seeing films for free is also a nice perk of the job. Outside of work, I am involved with Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions, an adult social care provider that supports people in the community with learning difficulties. When my family decided to move away from the area, I came into contact with TLS. They provided me with my own flat for independent living. Suddenly all the independence skills I learned at Treetops would be put to good use. I've now lived in my flat for three years and am involved I'm various community groups thanks to TLS. I work on a podcast called "Local Life" which goes out on TCBR radio, a local community radio station. Furthermore, I currently write children's books raising awareness of autism. My first book "The Sensory Zoo" was self-published on Amazon in September 2023 and has received a great response. The aim was for those on the spectrum who may have sensory issues to be able to recognize themselves through the various animals at the zoo who have sensory issues. In addition to being a podcaster and author, I am now officially an Oliver Macgowan trainer which means I can now teach health officials the proper ways of treating those on the spectrum when they enter the hospital or go to see a doctor. Sensory issues, communication, and many different things should be taken into consideration when health officials are dealing with people on the spectrum. To wrap up, I am currently working on my second book which I hope to release soon. The dream is for a three-book series all about raising awareness and for children on the spectrum to have a book they can relate to.

My life as a Dad with Limb-girdle Muscular Dystrophy Hi, I’m Ryan, a father of 6 living with LGMD. I suffer from a form of Limb-girdle Muscular Dystrophy called Dysferlinopathy. It mainly affects the girdle muscles, so my shoulders and biceps, plus my hips and quadriceps. It was when I was in my early 20s that I first noticed something was wrong. It was raining and I was with friends, so we decided to run home. But my feet felt like they were in concrete. No matter how fast I tried to run, I just wasn’t going anywhere fast?! I then contacted my GP to look further… I had a blood test which showed my CK levels to be very high, which indicates possible MD. I was referred to a specialist, who conducted a series of tests, ECG, MRI, and finally a muscle biopsy. Which confirmed a diagnosis of Dysferlinopathy. It’s affected my life a lot, but hasn’t stopped me from living my life as any normal person would. But that is something that takes a lot of mental strength to do. I’m happily married with 6 children and have been working with a diagnosis. But slowly over time, my condition is getting worse. It has been a HUGE struggle. I worked in the hotel industry in my early 20’s moving on to being a sales rep. I struggled to carry the wine to customers and walking stairs. I then took a 2-year break to gather myself, moving into volunteer work at my son's school. I loved it and went into a full-time career. It wasn’t easy as my safety became more at risk as I was falling often, unable to climb stairs, etc. I used a crutch at first, then 2, then a wheelchair when outside. I then went to a primary school to work but then had a major accident falling at work and breaking my hip. I was hospitalized and put back together and now I’m working for the NHS from home. Also, I’m getting a motorized chair, to stop any further accidents. I see a specialist once a year and rely on adult social services to help with equipment needs. It’s difficult to describe, but I’ll try: I can still walk slightly, but only on locked knees, otherwise my legs won’t hold my body weight and I’ll fall straight to the floor. My balance isn’t good at all, so I use objects/furniture around the house to keep me balanced. My arms feel like they weigh 10 times more than they should. So I can’t lift them above the waist without it feeling like I’m lifting a heavy weight. Everything I carry feels like it’s made of iron. If I was to give any advice to fellow sufferers, I would say, you are rare!! There's a 1 in 100,000 chance of getting this condition. Only the strong are given this opportunity to inspire the world. Everyone is dealt with hardship, but it’s only hardship if you allow it to be. I use my condition to inspire my children to believe anything is possible no matter how hard the may circumstances. Be you, be true, be happy, BE UNIQUE!

Meet the BIG Dreamer & Believer My name is Marisa Conners, and I am a multitalented and ambitious fashionista, fashion designer, entrepreneur, and digital artist from Cincinnati, Ohio. I have cerebral palsy which affects all my limbs and leaves me nonverbal. Cerebral Palsy is a permanent disability caused by brain damage that affects a person's ability to move, maintain balance and posture, and communicate verbally. I can walk with assistance and stand independently. I use a wheelchair for long-distance. I can't speak on my own. However, I understand everything. I rely on an iPad and an alphabetical chart to communicate. I also have been advocating for people with disabilities including me who live independently and achieve how much they can do for most of my life. I never let cerebral palsy stop me from doing what I love or following my dreams. I am hoping to share my story and how dreams can come true while amazing the world. I believe that many people don't fully understand the impact having a disability entails. Assumptions are made. I want to teach the world to focus on ABILITY, NOT DISABILITY. That phrase means that you must attempt to achieve your goals and dreams rather than your inability to do whatever you explore your skills and interests. DREAMING BIG, FINDING PASSION, AND BELIEVING IN MY UNIQUE ABILITIES. Every disabled person must strive to develop a dream, passion, and belief in unique abilities but it's how they can do things in different ways. I began developing my three main interests around age 3. Firstly, I started using a computer. I would play PC games on the computer every single day. These PC games have allowed me to learn everything in a fun and educational way. My dad taught me how to use technology which renders me a master at computer and technological skills. Secondly, I started doing arts and crafts. I would draw and paint on paper. This activity has made me more capable of creating art and more confident in my artistic skills. Thirdly and lastly, I started dressing up. I would pick out cute and stylish outfits for special occasions. I ultimately chose pink as my favorite color because I have been falling in love with wearing everything pink. These three main interests are the most particular ones in my life. One of them has eventually turned into a huge dream and passion - FASHION. I started dreaming about becoming a fashion designer at the age of 5 while I was playing fashion games on the computer. Therefore, I discovered that I have developed a strong passion for designing unique fashion and building a fashion brand. I have a strong fashion sense. Fashion is my life. Despite living with cerebral palsy, I have so many unique abilities, talents, and skills. I learned how to use Adobe graphic design software in high school. The use of digital technology is essential for me and it helped me find a creative voice. I typically use the software to create amazing arts and designs. I am a highly skilled visual learner and thinker because I have a unique gift of the ability to visualize everything through my mind. I also have an exceptional photographic memory- my head is always visualizing every single memory of my life and every single detail that creates my ideas. My other unique talents I possess are social media skills, organizing things, excellent communication skills, and advanced digital technology skills. Those are extraordinary gifts that are unlike others. The Importance of Inclusive Fashion - Making Stylish Fashion More Accessible I launched my namesake fashion brand, Marisa Conners in April 2021, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The brand represents my fashionista style and outgoing personality that draws inspiration from vintage, girly-girl, and chic-casual fashion. It is designed for not only stylish women but those who have physical disabilities. This is quite an inclusive and unique fashion brand. It's not only an adaptive clothing line but anybody should be able to wear something special and fabulous without difficulty. That's called "Making Stylish Fashion More Accessible". Inspired by the stylish fashion popularized by designers, Michael Kors and Kate Spade, I want to create stylish garments for everyone, not just for those with physical impairments. But, my main focus was on making sure my designs could truly be sensible options for anyone. Through my website, a person can customize the garments based on traditional options like size but also personalizes them around their specific needs. For example, a customer chooses between Velcro, magnetic closure, and no closure that can be adapted for the garment. Anyone could and is welcome to purchase my customized designs, whether or not they have a disability. Individuals with disabilities should be able to wear whatever they feel comfortable with but not have to sacrifice the quality of clothing. HUGE SUCCESS Shortly before launching my fashion brand, I got an amazing opportunity to attend the launch party of the new reality fashion show called The Collective. Fashion experts from reality fashion competitions praised my fashion talents and style by showing them my portfolio. It was an absolute dream I was able to meet designers and other fashion enthusiasts. However, The Collective was canceled due to the unexpected cancer diagnosis of the founder and designer. At the launch of my fashion brand, I participated in the inclusive fashion show, the 2nd Acceptance Week Fashion Show with my first adaptive clothing collection at Harrison High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. The fashion show was organized by my friend and Acceptance Week Creator, Raileigh Legner. The stars aligned in 2020 when I met Raileigh who created Acceptance Week. The annual event aims to change how students and the community perceive people with disabilities. Our reason for the fashion show is that we wanted to help people with disabilities rock the runway. The theme for the fashion show was yellow. I used that color to create an amazing adaptive clothing collection. I finally came to the stage and stunned the audience by wearing one of my collection looks, Daisy Yellow Floral Dress which is inspired by the 1960s as I stood up from my wheelchair. This dress has a full magnetic back closure instead of a zipper. This was the best moment I ever experienced! I began selling my first dress six months later and it was sold out in 33 days. The moment has melted my heart. In May 2022, I debuted my second collection, “Salem’s Modern Swinging Sixties” at the 3rd Acceptance Week Fashion Show. For the collection, I found inspiration from my maternal family and it reflects what they wore in the 1960s. The collection consists of three elegant dresses with different silhouettes Two looks, Mabel Pinky Shift Dress (Pale pink) and Gloria Mary Empire Waist Dress (Virgin Blue), even named after my grandmother and aunt respectively. And I wore my third and final look, a Roselle Blush Glitter Sheath Dress. This dress is the modernized version of the 1960s sleeveless sheath dress and it has a lot of pink and glitter. And sparkle yourself in the mirror. I rocked the runway wearing that dress. All three dresses from Salem’s Modern Swinging Sixties are available on my website with customizable sizes and closures. I also created a signature color palette, Wisteria, a combination of bright pink and green and I’m selling a lightweight shirt in those colors, Wisteria Stripe Long Sleeve Tee. HOW CAN I WORK AS A FASHION DESIGNER AND BUSINESSWOMAN? Having cerebral palsy doesn't stop me from creating my designs. I have developed my own design process for my fashion business. I typically use Adobe graphic design software to create my designs. For creating a design, I can browse the garment template, make color palettes, use images/elements from web and cloud files, and draw basic details in the garment. I also add patternmaking details via text. I can’t sew or pattern anything due to my disability. However, I rely on a team to construct the garments and get them ready for the runway or for sale. Once I have a design, I can purchase fabrics and materials online. I understood how the fabric is made. I also can upload my own prints on fabric on the digital fabric printing website and they can ship them. I also can touch fabrics. This will make me feel like choosing the right fabric to create a garment through my visual mind. Mainly, I can build a perfect team to help me run my business and communicate with my employees so that they can understand how I can give tasks to them and how I develop specific aspects of garment construction like brainstorming ideas and choosing the right fabrics. All I want is to lead the perfect team to help my dreams come to life and I have the best possibility of making my business successful in the future. INSPIRING OTHERS Along with disability come obstacles. Disability + Obstacles = Strength!! Besides wanting to be a fashion designer and entrepreneur, I always had the desire to be a role model and motivational speaker. Even though I am nonverbal, I can speak by leading by example. I want disabled individuals to know they have strengths and dreams like “normal” people. Dreams do come true!! It is the responsibility of all humans to recognize the strengths in others and to find a place in society for these strengths to shine. I truly believe in my extraordinary abilities, talents, and passions. From a very young age, I was teaching myself reading, drawing, and designing for my dream career. It's very important for me to share my story with you. I want to speak up to encourage you to make your dreams come true. I am a big dreamer and believer. I refuse to let my cerebral palsy define me as a person but it's a part of my story because I am never going to be afraid of following my dreams. I always strive to inspire others to achieve their dreams and goals even if they have physical or other limitations. I have so much hope to further promote inclusion in the fashion industry and other specific places that belong to me. Thank you for reading this article. I continue embarking on my unforgettable and groundbreaking journey to become a successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker. Dreams Do Come True! Check out my website marisaconners.com Facebook/Instagram: @marisaconners.fashionista & Designer Brand @marisaconners.mc

A woman with big dreams gets thrown a major curveball which turns into her passion. As a performer most of my life, I learned to be adaptable. No two days ever looked the same, and travel was the spice of my life for many years. I worked many survival jobs during the "dry" times and enjoyed freedom during the years of "plenty." Motherhood in my mid-thirties brought an entirely new dynamic. My dreams to continue performing seemed to fade in the background. Especially when I received the news that my second child would most likely be born with Down Syndrome, at that moment in time, it felt like everything stopped. I didn't think I would ever do anything I enjoyed again. Little did I know that my precious boy with an extra chromosome would launch me into an entirely new stratosphere of advocacy and awareness. What felt like the end of all things turned into the beginning of a beautiful new chapter. I spend my days encouraging moms within the disability community and fighting for change alongside those who are marginalized and discriminated against on macro and micro levels. What felt like destruction has turned into passion, joy, and love like none other. My Jedidiah is wonderfully made JUST as he was formed. And my life is better for having been his mama!