With the society we live in, stereotypes are everywhere we turn. Whether it be the popular girls being stereotyped as being “bitches” because of their social class, or jocks being stereotyped as “dumb”. One stereotype that really gets under my skin is that all disabled people are considered “dumb” or “retarded”.
For those of who know me, know I hate when I get put into a box or have people tell me what is best for me, or what they think is best for me without really knowing me as a person. Yes, I have cerebral palsy, and use a walker to help me walk, but that does not make me any less of a person. I have heard people flat out say that they feel sorry for the person because since they have a disability their life would be too hard, or that they cannot go for their dreams because of their disability. I could go on and on but I will save some more of those for future blog posts. I would rather focus on the positives that I have had in my life and focus on my goal of changing the stereotypes and stigmas that disabled people cannot live a life like “normal” people.
I was raised with two parents and a younger sister, as well as many friends who never let me believe that I could never do something. If I set my mind to something, they all supported me and would help give me the tools to accomplish them. When doctors told my parents right after I got diagnosed, at the age of three, that I may never walk, they looked at the doctor’s told them that that was bullshit and to just watch and that I would walk one day. And guess what? I did. It may have taken five years and I may have been very nervous and embarrassed by it, because it was different than everyone else, but the fact is that I conquered that obstacle and told the doctors what was up. Yes, I have been through hell and back with my cerebral palsy some days, but I fully believe that if there is no pain, there is no gain and that God helps those who help themselves.
My goal for this blog is to not only talk about my story of the roller coaster that is growing up with cerebral palsy, but first and foremost, bring to the surface the issue of stereotypes and stigmas that cloud over disabled people, whether it be on purpose, or just because. I say it needs to become a movement that everyone needs to get behind. So I ask you, who is with me to start making a difference? Let’s start thinking we are stereotypically able!
I am soooo proud of you Katy!!! You go girl!!! You have always been able to accomplish anything that you wanted to do. Don’t let anyone stop you know.
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Thank you Shellie! 😊
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A beautiful smile and a wonderful attitude! You ARE a leader!
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Thank you! 😊
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Thanks for sharing! There are strong forces we battle against, sometimes, in order to “be”.
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Agreed! But it’s totally worth the fight 😊
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Reblogged this on Stereotypically Able and commented:
Hey everyone! So this week I surpassed 100 followers on my blog! Thank you all so much! Because I have such a following now (and growing) I would love to share my first blog post with all of you again and share my heart once more on the reason why I started this blog in the first place. Once again thank you! ❤ you all!
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Reblogged this on Black Cat – My ramblings and commented:
Imagine living in a world with no stereotypes. That would be an awesome world! This post is very inspiring!!!
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Thanks for the reblog! 😊
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It is a really awesome post
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Thank you! 😊
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Yes, you are right, I support you
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Thanks for the support! 😊
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No prob, in fact I try to change my classmates in school
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That’s awesome! Keep up the good work!
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I will, thank you 😄
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Great post. I am so thankful for your blog. I especially like your straight on, hit them between the eyes honesty with which you write.
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Lol thanks I try. I can be super blunt sometimes
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I am with you girl!
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Yay!
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:))
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Katy, your thoughts and words are spot on and fully appreciated. Humans are categorizers, we want to put people in a box so our brains can cope. We have to get out of that mode of thinking and use language to describe people not by what they have, but who they are. Wrong=Ronnie is Autistic. Right “This is Ronnie who has autism.”
Our labeling practices need to be adjusted. My daughter graduates next week with a degree in Recreation Therapy, she deals with this all day long in this context. Rather than focusing on disabilities, she focuses on abilities. I really appreciate your voice and your blog. Keep them coming!!
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Couldn’t agree more! Thanks Terri! 😊
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Reblogged this on luvbearlvx's Blog and commented:
I love this post. I think we all need to focus on achieving, and helping others achieve, all that we want, instead of spouting reasons why we, or they, can’t.
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I love this post, the direction you are headed, and I love you. We all need compassion, encouragement, and support. Keep showing people a better way, and maybe if enough of us do, something will change.
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Thanks 😊
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❤
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😊
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Congrats I nominate you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award 🙂
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Thanks! 😊
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You’re welcome 🙂
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Katy, thank you for reblogging your 1st post, and congratulations on reaching 100 followers. I am honored to be a part of this #. This post is an excellent introduction to your blog.
I get upset when I hear derogatory comments. How this must hurt yourself. I admire your strength so much, and love your positivity. You are a champion in my eyes.
Keep going Katy. 🙂
~Carl~
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Thank you Carl! 😊
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Thanks for sharing this again – good to know you in the blogosphere and learn about your journey 🙂
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No prob! And thank you! I am enjoying it! 😊
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Reblogged this on HarsH ReaLiTy and commented:
Sounds like a great reason for a blog to me. Fight those stereotypes for us all! It is always fun to revisit “why” we started our blogs. -OM
Note: Comments disabled here, please visit their blog.
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Thanks for the reblog Jason!
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Read this on OM and agree with every word you have written.
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Thank you! Glad you enjoyed! 😊
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Thanks for this post. I think that henry ford might have said it best: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
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Thank you for reading! 😊
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Keep doing what you’re doing and prove all those people wrong!
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That’s the plan 😊
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It’s a pretty good plan 🙂
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I too am disabled, originally due to the severity of my mental illness. Then I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I have been through the ringer with this disease, but today I am not disabled, I’m just differently-abled, and I live my life that way, to the best of my ability.
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Great way to look at that 😊
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I like that phrase a lot and powerful post!
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Thank you!
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No problem! 🙂
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I admire your strength and tenacity and agree it’s wrong to label people with challenges in life. My children have some developmental disorders and I never say they’re disabled. They may have differences but I will advocate strongly for their success. 😊
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Thank you! And yes I agree 100% 😊
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You’re welcome 😊
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I have cerebral palsy too … Just putting it out there. 🙂
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Awesome! People with CP are awesome! 😊
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🙂 But some people don’t get that, unfortunately. It’s frustrating. Until people get to know me, I feel like they don’t know what to do with me.
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I have felt that way too! It’s like I want to shake them awake and say “Hey, I’m human too! Treat me like one!”
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YESSSS!!!!! “… and I’m actually dateable!!!”
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Story of my life right there! I swear I think the show Undateable is my life sometimes haha
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I’ve never seen it.
It’s why I stick to fictional boys/men for now … They’re practically perfect and they can’t leave haha.
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Hahaha true story
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My favorite is probably Adam from “If I Stay”. “Where She Went” – the sequel – was just beautiful.
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I need to read those! I’ve heard great things about it
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They’re both amazing, but “Where She Went” is my favorite of the two.
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I’ll check it out 😊
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You are so very special and bringing an important message to people! Thank you for speaking out Katy and for being so you! Love, Lynn
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Thanks Lynn! 😊
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🙂
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So inspiring. 💙
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Thank you! ❤️
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What an inspiring post. You write so well and your tone and spirit are inspiring. Best of luck to you.
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Thank you! 😊
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