Living with disability | PEOPLE

Summary

In this heartfelt video, Jeremiah, a 27-year-old from Leeds born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, reflects on his journey of growing up with a disability. He shares the struggles of feeling isolated, facing bullying, and grappling with self-acceptance. Despite the challenges, Jeremiah emphasizes the importance of resilience and independence, stating his goal to inspire others. He highlights his determination to try new things, confront societal perceptions, and find ways to live a fulfilling life. Ultimately, his story is one of hope and the belief that one can overcome obstacles and embrace their true self.

Takeaways

• 😀 Growing up with disabilities can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration.
• 😀 The narrator, Jeremiah, often questioned 'why me?' feeling like the only disabled person in the world.
• 😀 Experiences of bullying and name-calling contributed to feelings of anger and sadness during childhood.
• 😀 Jeremiah's disability led to challenges in social situations, making him feel apart from peers.
• 😀 The lack of understanding about disabilities in others can lead to negative interactions.
• 😀 Despite being unable to walk normally, Jeremiah finds joy and independence in his daily life.
• 😀 His experiences with medical appointments and care have impacted his relationship with his mother.
• 😀 Jeremiah expresses concern about the possibility of passing on disabilities to his future children.
• 😀 Acceptance of his disability has evolved, leading to a desire to inspire others.
• 😀 Jeremiah encourages a mindset of perseverance and trying new things, regardless of challenges.

Q & A

What disability does Jeremiah have?

Jeremiah was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

How did Jeremiah feel about being disabled during his childhood?

He often felt isolated and believed he was the only disabled person in the world, leading to feelings of frustration and anger.

What were some challenges Jeremiah faced in school?

Jeremiah faced bullying and segregation, which made him feel apart from his peers and targeted by bullies.

How did bullying affect Jeremiah's behavior at home?

He took out his frustrations on his family, particularly on his mother, despite her support and care.

What insight did Jeremiah gain regarding people's perceptions of disability?

He realized that people often stare because they are unfamiliar with disabilities, and he began to appreciate his uniqueness.

What is Jeremiah's perspective on relationships and parenthood?

He struggles with the idea of having children due to the fear that they might inherit disabilities like his, though he loves his existing children.

What is Jeremiah's biggest goal in life?

His biggest goal is to inspire others and encourage them to not live in fear of their emotions or disabilities.

How does Jeremiah view his independence?

He takes pride in his independence and finds ways to accomplish daily tasks despite his limitations.

What is Jeremiah's philosophy regarding challenges and trying new things?

He embraces the philosophy of 'watch me,' as he is no longer afraid to attempt new things, even if he might fail.

How does Jeremiah feel about acceptance of his disability?

He acknowledges the difficulty of accepting his disability, but he emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance to inspire others.