Hidden Disability Advocate | Speaker | Author | Adventurer
This came up as a question from a student when I was presenting at a university last fall. The student was recently diagnosed with a cognitive condition and asked me, “How do I tell people about it?” I happen to … Read More »
My go-to coping strategy for when my chronic illness, chronic pain, or mental health are especially on the fritz is a thing I call “get lost.” I did not invent it and hardly think I even named it. Also, it’s … Read More »
Did you know I hold an elected government office? I’m a Council member in my tiny old suburb near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Earlier this month, we were discussing parking spaces in town for people with disabilities. I won’t go into that … Read More »
I love LEGO®, and LEGO helps me love myself. Here’s how it happened. LEGO bricks were my favorite childhood toy. When I was in middle school, they existed in secret. It was the early 90s, and I was getting teenager … Read More »
I’ve long stated that I don’t make New Year’s resolutions because I don’t believe we should wait until the beginning of an entire new year to make big positive changes in our lives. But I do tend to make them … Read More »
A couple times in the past month, I’ve had conversation about the term “invisible disabilities” versus “hidden disabilities.” Which one do I use and why? Are they the same? I first used “invisible disability” because that’s the first way I … Read More »
We love adventure, my old lady dog and I. This is most likely our last big one. You should see us in the mornings! I’m all sore and stiff with my arthritis and foggy from my fibro. She’s morning-delirious and … Read More »
I’m in California visiting my best pal Brianna, who lives with four autoimmune diseases … and a four-year-old. She just started a new job, so I’m checking in with her to see how it’s going and what advice she has … Read More »
When I speak to corporate audiences, I often get questions about how and when someone should disclose a disability in the workplace. I don’t have a firm answer for that. For one, I do not have a human resources background … Read More »
One of my invisible disabilities speaking programs this week was to a group of students at a college. It was an in-person event, which is a nice treat these days, and it was a smaller, intimate group of just a … Read More »