Proud?
As Disability Pride Month unfolds, I find myself in a conflicted state. My pride isn't rooted in my shaky limbs, agonising condition, or sensitive nature. Instead, I'm proud because I keep telling my story my way, despite the daily onslaught of ableism. My journey to becoming a disability equality trainer wasn't carefully planned. It was a response to the prejudice and discrimination I faced, forcing me to confront some of life's toughest aspects. I once dreamed of being a dietician, fascinated by nutrition. But that dream was squashed when I was told I'd be expected to walk. Like many, chance shaped my path more than careful planning. Trying to improve my CV, I volunteered and worked for free. But I quickly learned that even charities aren't always enlightened. Virtue and morals didn't equate to fair treatment. I remember going to the local Red Cross, only to be sat in a corner with a cup of tea. Another charity's director wanted to lay her "heal...