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(Dis)abled

 You may be able-bodied or able-minded, but I am neither one. You might look at me and it may be invisible at first, but my entire embodiment is Autistic. I have difficulty with proprioception and often need vestibular stimulation to keep my mind at bay. Sometimes I need a very tight hug to release some of the anxiety that builds up in my body, or perhaps a massage to release the knots that build up in my legs and back from chronic stress. I have a kinship to other Disabled people and I am primarily Multiply Neurodivergent, but possess other disabilities, such as a rare kidney condition.

Whenever I encounter ableism in its many forms, I don't always know what to do on the spot. That is because I also found out recently that I have apraxia of speech, so it is difficult to get my thoughts out into spoken word. I encounter ableism online as well, from cyberbullying to remarks from various people that do not necessarily coalesce well with the Disabled experience.

While some disabilities can sometimes bear gifts, such as autism, there are still debilitating features that make it a disability as well. While it is hardwired into my identity, much like my other neurodivergences, I still struggle and when I run into ableism, it sends me into a rage. 

I want to defend my Disabled siblings because many of us need people in higher places to help change the current system we have in place from one of pathology to one of accommodations for all Disabled people. I will, from here on out, work as an activist on this platform, among others, to promote the welfare of Disabled people everywhere, and hope to hear a few voices as I start this journey, in whatever way you communicate, and always feel free to contact me on Twitter: @LilyMONan . We need to work together on this. 

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