Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming Disabled

When I think back to before I relied on leg braces, a walker, or my wheelchair, there were many things about disability I just didn’t know. I wasn’t born into this—I had to learn along the way. Today, I want to share a few things I wish someone had told me at the start.

1. The Emotional Transition Matters as Much as the Physical

I thought it would just be about mobility, but no one prepared me for the emotional shifts. There’s grief, yes, but also discovery, strength, and resilience that comes with each adaptation.

2. Accessibility Is About Energy, Not Just Ramps

I used to think accessibility meant whether a building had a ramp. What I didn’t realize is that accessibility is also about conserving energy—whether physical or mental. For example, using talk-to-text when typing is tiring, or choosing tools that automate repetitive tasks. The easier daily life becomes, the more I can dedicate my energy to relationships, passions, or just rest.

3. Planning Takes Practice, But It Becomes Empowering

I didn’t know how much planning goes into daily life—from transportation to social outings. But the upside? Planning ahead gave me control. It made me the expert on my own needs, and that’s powerful. And through it all, patience is key.

4. Community Is Key, But You Define It

I thought community would be handed to me, but it’s something you build. I’ve found support in unexpected places and realized it’s okay to define who’s in your corner. Keeping an open mind often builds an even larger community than you imagined.

5. Adaptation Is Ongoing—And That’s Okay

From leg braces to my wheelchair, my adaptation continues. It’s not failure; it’s evolution. Each adaptation brings new ways to thrive.

In sharing these lessons, I hope others navigating disability or life changes know they’re not alone. Adaptation isn’t one-and-done; it’s a journey, and we’re all learning as we go.