Ep 10 - The Honest Self: Contributing to Society on My Terms

What is to be disabled?

Every day, I’m confronted with the reality that society thinks people with disabilities don’t matter and can’t contribute. People with disabilities live with being constantly judged against stereotypes that create real barriers to our being able to live a full life. The theoretical legal protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act are not enough when negative attitudes and assumptions about us persist throughout our culture.

But I have always wanted to play a meaningful role in my community and to give back. Today, I want to talk about what it’s like to do that on my own terms, regardless of others’ judgments.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• How I’ve navigated shaking off other people’s assumptions about what I can contribute
• Why it feels like I’ve had to work twice as hard and I’m not allowed to make mistakes
• The physical and emotional toll of constantly having to prove myself
• A key thing able-bodied people can do to be more inclusive of people with disabilities in their lives
• Why knowing that I matter and am contributing starts with me

Learn more about Molly Kennedy

• Molly Kennedy Consulting