Why you need to understand

1. Labels belong to produce cans, not people. My disability is not my label. But I am a whole human being. Every human being is unique and has their own experiences, thoughts, and emotions that make them or them complete. Recognizing and celebrating our individuality is important rather than trying to fit into societal expectations or norms. My disability is a part of me, but it's not the whole me. When we remove the label from a can, we can't tell what it was or is. If we remove the label, the label is still a part of the can, but it's still a can.

2. Don't tell me what I can't do. I can do much more than you think. Never underestimate me! This brain is very impressive; I will attempt to do something challenging. If I can't, I'll think of another way to do it…. I promise!

3. People who have speech impairments have something to say. I love how people assume I have nothing to say don't just because of my disability. Not all people who have speech impairments have hearing impairments. Be careful what you say.

4. People who are physically disabled are not always intellectually disabled. Their brains function just like yours. Please don't assume otherwise. You might miss out on a great opportunity. It's about time we stopped viewing disabilities as shameful. People with disabilities can have a whole and productive life. People don't view us as a burden on society. If you take the time to think, our daily 'aren't that different. We might have something in common.

6. When I say people with disabilities are humans, I mean it. This includes feelings. We have the same feelings as you. Don't assume people don't have feelings on a subject because"you wouldn't understand "you'd be surprised at what we know. We have the same feelings as you. Please don't undermine them.

7. One misconception people have about me is that everything is handed to me. In a world that wasn't designed for you, you either work for it or do without. Doing without isn't an option, so you better "make it work." It wasn't. If you want to help, better support and resources are needed.

8. If you're going to love me, then do so. You can't love someone with a disability but not the disability. I'm sorry, that's not how it works. If you love someone, you love them with their baggage, not without. My disability makes me who I am. Nothing will change that.

9. Don't sympathize me! If you're going to have anything for me, have empathy. If you can't empathize, then just let me do my thing. In all reality, I feel sorry for people who sympathize me. They are missing so much.

10. Could you not make me your charity case? Please help me for the sake of helping me. I am not here to make you feel better about yourself. People shouldn't make headlines because they helped a peer with a disability.

11. People with disabilities deserve equal opportunities in society. When I say community, I mean all aspects of it. It's easy. We already established that I am human, just like you are. Why do I not have equal rights and opportunities as you have? People keep other people down because they're afraid. What is there to be scared of? Nothing……

12. "Special programs for special people" isn't inclusion. It's the exact opposite. Inviting a friend with a disability to a community event is inclusion. See the difference? The difference is that inclusion starts with you.

13. We might need accommodations and support to achieve our goals. Let's work together to create an inclusive society where everyone can thrive.

14. after all this, you better understand why I "whine and gripe." You realize this is my life. Please understand that people with disabilities have the same value as you.

15. It is essential to treat everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. We should strive to create an inclusive society where everyone feels valued and appreciated.