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Disabled and Proud

Peter in his wheelchair in a superhero pose

July is Disability Pride Month. However, for many in our big, bold, and broad community, this can be a difficult time. Disability can be seen as a loss or a serious limitation that drastically reduces quality of life. This brings feelings of grief, not celebration. If you have those feelings, I see you and I support you.

I am very fortunate. I was born with my disability, so I don’t know any other life. As I have said in this space before, I was raised by parents who worked hard to remove barriers to my success. To them and my family, it was the natural thing to do. Their support and hard work allowed me to live, work, and play in my community just as I do today.

As I’ve spent more time with this body, I’ve come to see my disability as a superpower. Out of necessity, I learned creativity, resilience, organizational skills, and patience (the most difficult lesson of all).

Superpowers can be used for good or for evil. I have chosen, thanks to my parents, to use mine for good. That is why I’m proud of our work at Peter Tonge Consulting. I am able to use my education and my life experience to remove gaps and barriers not just for myself, but for everyone in this community that I love so much.

If you would like to share, I would like to hear your perspective on disability pride month.

Photo: Teri Hofford