« Back to Module IV: DisABILITY Insights

First name: Robin
Type of disability: spina bifida (manual chair), deafened, end stage renal disease (dialysis, 9 months, transplant, 9 years, dialysis 11 years)
Married/Engaged/Unmarried, Kids: Single, mom to the three fabulous furries, 2 dogs and a cat

If there was one thing that you wish people better understood about your specific type of disability, what would it be?
I probably wish that they would simply understand we're more the same than different. If I have the access I need, my interests and needs are probably the same as theirs. Disability does not define me.

One thing that people can do to make other people who have your type of disability feel more included, whether it is at work, school, or another community organization would be:
I will focus on deafness since that's the most misunderstood since it's invisible. The best thing people can give me is time because communication can be slow. If you don't know signs and I can't lipread you, it may require typing or writing. But if you take the time, we can have a great conversation!

What would you say is your greatest source of pride?
Hmm, first I would say my family, my parents and older brothers who raised me with the expectation that I would be responsible for myself some day. And secondly, perhaps my house. It's a little house and it will never be on HGTV but it's mine and I love it!

« Back to Module IV: DisABILITY Insights