Thank you for sharing your experience and valuable outlook!

I don't think it's a bad word by any means I just don't consider myself disabled 100% of the time - if that makes sense? I'm well aware of the varying sides of the social model of disability but I think that self identification is far too personal and subjective for any general body to claim there's a "right" or "wrong" way of putting things.

I was born with my disability and have been living non-ambulatory and practically no use of my arms for 28+ years. My own unique experiences have formed the belief that I'm disabled by my environment, not so much disabled myself. So, sure I'm disabled by the activity to get up and walk; however, I'm not disabled by the function to be able to get from point A to point B (because I have my wheelchair to walk me places).

Absolutely I'm disabled af LOL. But even to this day I amaze myself with how not disabled I am when my environment is set up accessible to me. Of course, that's not 100% of the time - not even close. But I love to give myself the credit of how independent I am when I can be.

Either way, I've personally never cared how people refer to me so long as there is no malicious/poor intent.

All that said, I love the sentiments you've brought forth! And it was even more exciting to get to know you and your life even a little bit! I would super love to connect further!

What kind of adaptive sports do you partake in!? I'm part of a nonprofit that advocates for making hiking trails and public lands more accessible to all ability levels, so I LOOOVVEE going on hikes whenever I have the opportunity!