Yes. I KNOW

I am different, yes, I know that. But what disables me more than my physical condition is the weight of the looks I receive, the silent judgment from relatives and society. It’s not my body that holds me back, but the way I am perceivedb like I am less, incomplete, or incapable. I crave acceptance, not out of pity but from a place of understanding, of recognizing my worth and my abilities as a human being.

I wish for a society that values each person for who they are, a society that doesn’t crush you beneath the weight of stigma or make you feel invisible because you don’t fit its narrow definition of “normal.” Yes, I am disabled but I am still very much capable. My mind, my spirit, my heart—they are strong. There’s so much I can offer, so much I can contribute but too often those possibilities are dismissed before they’re even considered.

I’ve lived in darkness for too long, hiding from the silent looks and the pitiful murmuring of those who pass me by. It’s as though people think my worth is diminished simply because I can't stand, don’t walk or look the same as them. Their glances, though wordless, speak volumes and the assumptions they make about my abilities create a wall between me and the world.

In this darkness, I’ve feared rejection and have grown weary of constantly proving myself. But deep down, I know that my value is not defined by their limited views. I know that there is strength in me that surpasses what the eye can see. I am not asking for sympathy or charity; I am fighting a space to be seen, heard, and acknowledged for my capabilities, my intelligence, and my potential.

The pity I see in people’s eyes weighs me down more than my disability ever could. What I seek is respect, not for the parts of me that are different but for the parts of me that are the same—the human spirit, the desire to grow, learn, and make my mark on this world. I long for a world that doesn’t just tolerate those who are different but embraces them, a world where inclusion is not a favor but a given.

I refuse to remain in the shadows any longer, silenced by fear or diminished by judgment. My difference is not a weakness and my disability does not define my potential. I will continue to fight for the recognition and respect I deserve not just for myself, but for everyone who has ever felt marginalized or invisible. Together, we will build a society that uplifts rather than crushes, that celebrates diversity rather than shuns it and that sees ability in every person, regardless of their form.