Author: Grace W. Dow

Nearly four years ago, I was a high school graduate who hoped to attend a local university. I went to college with hopes of expanding my worldview and obtaining a meaningful education that would lead to employment after college. I soon realized there are many barriers for disabled people who want to attend college. For… Continue reading Higher Education Wasn’t Designed For Disabled People:

One of the hardest emotions I deal with on a daily basis is guilt. Because of my Cerebral Palsy, I require the help of a PCA to get dressed, shower, and use the restroom. While I’ve been fortunate to have many wonderful PCAs, I haven’t been fond of a couple of them over the years.… Continue reading When Your Disability Makes You Feel Guilty:

CW: Abuse & neglect Malinda Phillips and Jonathon Grunewald of Calgary, Alberta, recently pleaded guilty to neglecting their 29-year-old son with Cerebral Palsy. He was brought to a hospital in October 2020, suffering from hypothermia, sepsis, and weighed only 43 lbs. Fortunately, their son survived. Too many disabled people die due to neglect. His parents… Continue reading Disabled People Deserve To Live Free From Abuse:

We are coming up on two years since the WHO declared the coronavirus a pandemic. In that time, life has changed for most of us. I had no idea how much I’d miss pre-pandemic life. I miss little and big things. Before the pandemic, I was becoming more social and enjoyed going out. I liked… Continue reading What COVID-19 Makes Me Miss:

As a kid, I was not as aware of the limitations that my Cerebral Palsy would place on me. I knew I was different, but didn’t seem to mind all that much. As I grew up reality because much more clear. Adulthood seemed to happen quickly. I had no idea how challenging navigating the bureaucratic… Continue reading Disabled People’s Reality:

According to the website Access Living, “Ableism is the discrimination of and social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior.” In my life, ableism has been a significant contributor to the fact that I developed depression which worsened a few years ago. From my earliest years, I remember… Continue reading How Ableism Leads To Depression:

Across the country; students are walking out in protest of unsafe in-person learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. People with disabilities often fight for this accommodation, and despite their best efforts, are denied. For me, the ability to work remotely permanently would be a tremendous asset. This has already proven to be true when it comes… Continue reading People Should Be Able To Work Or Study Remotely If They Wish To:

I have Cerebral Palsy, a disability that I’ve lived with for 22 years. I am tired of having to fight for things that I need. I shouldn’t have to fight for a college education. Getting accommodations shouldn’t take multiple emails, forms, and phone calls. I have been trying to get into two additional classes for… Continue reading I’m Disabled, and I’m Tired:

My readers know about my struggles to become gainfully employed over the past two years. If I’m lucky enough to get someone to see beyond my disability when applying for a job, often I still get turned down for the job. The biggest reason is that I require help using the restroom. Having a personal… Continue reading Accommodations in the Workplace Should Include Help with Personal Care:

Following the CDC director’s comments, disabled people have been sharing their stories with the hashtag my disabled life is worthy on social media. I live with Cerebral Palsy and deserve to live a meaningful life. Cerebral Palsy does make my life more challenging at times, but my life is one that is worth living. I’ve… Continue reading My Disabled Life Is Worthy: