Author: Grace W. Dow

We all worry about things in life. Living with a disability means that there is no shortage of things for somebody to worry about. One of my biggest fears is that health insurance will decide I don’t need medications, or necessary equipment to be able to live my life. I am constantly frustrated that a… Continue reading What Keeps Me Awake at Night as Someone Living With Cerebral Palsy:

Over the past few years, I’ve noticed that some people really don’t like the term disabled. I have no problem with being called disabled. People need not be afraid to use the word disabled around me. In July, I wrote about how I have begun to feel proud of my disability. While I am frustrated… Continue reading Disabled Is Not A Bad Word:

Since graduating from high school in June of 2018, I have felt left behind. In high school, I was more on a level playing field with my peers. I took all of the required classes to graduate on time with my class in 2018. I took the SATs in my junior year of high school… Continue reading Why I Feel Left Behind:

As someone who has Cerebral Palsy, my independence is important to me. I rely on people every day to help me use the restroom, get dressed, and take a shower. Despite this, I still try to be as independent as I possibly can. Independence for me probably looks different than it is for most non-disabled… Continue reading Why Spilling Yogurt on My Shirt Made Me Proud:

Living with Cerebral Palsy is a challenge every single day. There are some things I wish people knew. One of the things I don’t think people understand most is that I’m just trying my best. I know that it sometimes takes me a long time to do certain things, but I’m working at my most… Continue reading Things I Wish You Knew:

Anyone who knows me knows that I require the help of PCAs to accomplish the mundane tasks of daily life including getting dressed and taking a shower. Needing assistance with such personal tasks has made my relationship with my body incredibly complicated. I find it extremely difficult to see myself as a whole human being.… Continue reading Disability and Body Image:

When I was a sophomore in high school, I remember the jealousy I felt towards my peers who could get their driver’s licenses. I wanted to be just like everyone else. However, as more and more of my peers started to drive, I noticed something. Whenever they would talk about having to drive their younger… Continue reading How Cerebral Palsy Affects How I View Myself Within My Family:

According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) transition planning must begin when a student on an IEP reaches the age of sixteen. In my home state of Massachusetts, this process must begin at the age of fourteen. When I reached the age of fourteen, the process began to take shape. I did not… Continue reading How We Can Improve the Transition Process for High School Students With Disabilities:

In 2018, during my senior year of high school, I was referred to the local vocational rehabilitation office. Vocational rehabilitation exists to help people with disabilities gain employment and postsecondary education. I went into my first meeting feeling very apprehensive. The counselor I met with was friendly and helpful. Initially, the vocational rehabilitation office provided… Continue reading My Experience With Vocational Rehabilitation:

When I turned 16 in September of 2015, I already knew that I most likely wasn’t going to get my driver’s license, at least not right away. I held onto the belief that I would be gainfully employed at least part-time within the next couple of years. It was bittersweet watching my peers be able… Continue reading When Long-Term Unemployment Leaves You Questioning Your Worth