Invisible: My Paralympic Journey with Usher's Syndrome

Invisible

Hi there, my name is Becca Meyers and I was born with Usher’s Syndrome, type 1. If you took one look at me, you would think nothing is wrong with me. You probably wouldn’t even notice that I am disabled. My disabilities are invisible. I am deaf, legally blind and have balance issues. Despite this, I am a 3x Paralympic Gold Medalist, 5x World Record Holder, and on the US Para Swimming National Team. I wear two Cochlear Implants that allow me to hear and communicate with my family, friends, and coworkers. My sidekick is my Seeing Eye dog, Birdie. Birdie has given me the independence to navigate this crazy world we live in. She takes me to practice (by public transportation) and she is my traveling companion when we are traveling all over for my swimming competitions.

As a Paralympian, I have taken on the role of being an ambassador for the Paralympic Movement. I like sharing snippets of my disabilities on social media to show young kids and parents that just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you can’t do anything, you just have to find different ways to get it done. It is okay to do things different from others, it is okay to ask for help when you need it, and of course, find that one thing in life that makes you feel free and go for it! I also like making sure my posts have a positive feel to them because I am not going to let my disabilities give me a negative attitude about life. Yes, some days it is okay to be mad at the world because your disabilities are holding you back. I have had bad days and have yelled at the world for making me feel limited but I just wake up the next day and tell myself that it is a new day and I have the power to make it a good day. I have the power to decide to not let my disabilities get in the way of doing what I love. #dreambig