Having a disability is different for everyone. Although two people may be labelled with the same name, that by no means makes their disabilities the same.  I am disabled, have been since I was ten, and although I have yet to meet anyone with the same disability as me, I have heard stories or friends of friends who know someone that does, and every story I hear is utterly different and unique to each person. Having a disability means something different to each person.

For me, being disabled has changed a lot of things in my life. I intended to be a nurse, and spent my entire High School career working towards this.  So, I turn sixteen and get a job in a nursing home. It was one of the most difficult and painful experiences of my life. I remember one day being unable to breathe properly as I was in so much pain. It was unbearable so I quit. And when I did, I was greeted to a horrid manager who scolded me and made me feel worthless. This was my first experience of having difficulties in employment.

Every job I have had since has had at least one moment where by my disability has caused me more than just physical pain. I have been bullied, neglected, forced to do things out with my boundaries and I always accepted it. After all in a job climate like this, I can’t afford to throw my arms around and up and quit every time I feel hard done by. Even if it meant I went home in tears, feeling useless.

I have even had to give up on things I love. I used to play bass guitar, paint and take photographs. I loved these things, but they cause me far more pain than the reward was worth. I am aware that many fantastic people persevere through their difficulties and their pain, but I am not one of those people, as much as I wish I was. Instead I have found hobbies and a career that are both within my limits and that I love, and for this I am thankful of my disabilities.

I have had difficulties outside of work too. On the bus if I sit close to the front when it’s crowded, sometimes people give me dirty looks. I even had a woman tut at me and tell me I should be ashamed for siting on the disabled seat on a train. Truth is, I look completely normal. I don’t need walking aids and rarely use wrist splints or anything like that. Nothing that could give me away.

And one of the most embarrassing experiences of this I have ever endured in my life was on my eighteenth birthday. On my way to work, I crossed at the last set of traffic lights before my office; I was running a little late so walked faster than usual. But alas I fell. My hip gave way from underneath me and I collapsed in the middle of the road. A monster of a car that had ran the light a little early slammed on his breaks and nearly knocked me over. But the worst part? This was incredibly close to a university. I was surrounded by students and none helped. Instead one elderly gentleman helped me to my feet, asked if I needed an ambulance and walked me to my work.

My life would have turned out monumentally different if one little chromosome in my body wasn’t mutated. And in truth, I am glad that my life ended up the way that it did. I am convinced I am more happy now and value what I have more than I ever would have if I was able bodied. Everyone who has difficulties in life will have a different view and many may completely disagree with me. But I think it is important that regardless of how someone looks or acts, if they look like they are having any kind of difficulty, we should all stop and ask if they need help. Admittedly some may think this a rude thing, but from my experience, the few times I have received help have been the most kind and heart-warming acts of humanity I have received and I remember each and every one. In a world where humans rule, why is it so difficult to find humanity and compassion? I can’t speak for everyone, but I know that I would be eternally grateful.