A public service announcement challenging negative perceptions about disability will air on television and streaming services across the country. It will also be in print and on billboards.
The “D1$@B1L*tY is Not a Dirty Word” advertisement was created by and features disabled people. It will debut nationwide during Paralympic coverage on NBC and its connected networks. The one-minute video spot depicts 12 people with various disabilities discussing how they’ve embraced their disability despite others’ assumptions, culminating in the phrase “Say disability with pride.”
“This disability pride media campaign is by, for, and about people with disabilities,” Mark Whitley, president and CEO of Easter Seals Southern California, said. “Real authenticity only comes through personal experience and for this important project, people with disabilities are sharing their stories and insights on disability to unite as one voice for change.”
I’ve lived with cerebral palsy for nearly 25 years. It has taken me a long time to embrace life as a disabled person, but I am okay with my disability. I will never know what it is like to be nondisabled.
As a child, I wanted to belong. I thought I was a failure if I couldn’t do something. I was determined to not let my disability get in my way. However, I learned that this mindset was unrealistic. As much as I wanted to become a surgeon, it wasn’t possible due to my lack of fine motor skills.
Unlearning what I had been taught throughout my childhood was difficult and ultimately led to me developing depression at age 20. I couldn’t think straight, and I was constantly sad. By 2020, I had begun taking Prozac. For a couple of years, I also participated in weekly counseling sessions.
Knowing my limits has allowed me to focus on what I can do. It taught me to respect my disabled body’s abilities as well as its limits. I am much happier since realizing my limits.
Life with a disability isn’t easy. Cerebral palsy doesn’t make me special. Being disabled isn’t something you should keep a secret or refer to by another name.
Sources:
Heasley, Shaun. “Ad Campaign Says Disability Is ‘Not a Dirty Word.’” Disability Scoop, Disability Scoop, 3 Sept. 2024, http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/09/03/ad-campaign-says-disability-is-not-a-dirty-word/31037/.