He works part-time, studies part time, lives independently, travels independently, plays sports and has a social life. I mentioned these two stereotypes to a client of mine and then I rattled off his list of "achievements". So what are people implying when they call me a supercrip?Īfter doing some further reading, I have discovered that there are two stereotypes when it comes to people with a disability: the person who is unable to do anything for themselves, is tied to their wheelchair and spends their days watching television or there's the supercrip - the person who achieves so much that they are an "over-achiever". This definition doesn't seem to fit with me because I do not consider myself athletic, unless taking pilates classes and having a personal trainer twice a week is considered athletic. "Very active physically challenged person: a physically challenged person who is very fit and takes part in strenuous sports." A quick internet search tells us that a supercrip is a:
I am just living my life.Īnother term that has been used to describe me is "supercrip". When people compliment me I blush, nod my head and say thank you because, well, what else can I say? Sometimes I joke and say "Well, you know I am superwoman" and people laugh back. And without sounding cocky, there are many accomplishments. They have commented on how impressed they are with all my accomplishments. So many family members, friends, colleagues, doctors, strangers, etc. True, these were huge steps for me and I am proud, but aren't these things most people aim to achieve? When I say achievements, this includes things like studying, driving, working and moving out of home. They could see the excitement in my eyes and the achievements that followed. When all this happened, people began noticing changes in me.
Life was going well and I was enjoying it. I was suddenly able to be out all day without taking a break. No longer was I doing one activity per day, being restricted by fatigue and relying on public transport/taxis/parents. With the assistance of the walking frame and being able to drive around, my life changed dramatically.
#Good docs supercrip drivers#
And with this purchase came the realisation that I am, indeed, disabled.Īround the time of admitting to be disabled, I took the plunge and got my drivers license. With the help of an occupational therapist I bought my first walking frame. However, due to my condition being degenerative, four years ago I had to acknowledge that it was time for a walking aide. I was born with a chronic illness and I have never really considered myself disabled.
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