Growing up with a disability can be a challenging experience, and countless times I found myself questioning my abilities and doubting my place in the world. With each obstacle I encountered, I learned that I had a choice: I could wallow in self-pity, or I could find a way to adapt, overcome, and thrive. Time and time again, I chose the latter, and each success became a testament to my resilience and determination.

Adaptability means having flexibility, creativity, and an innate ability to confront challenges head-on.

As I developed a stronger sense of self, I began questioning the term "disabled." Disability implies a sense of lacking or inability. Still, my experiences have taught me that I am capable of much more than society might expect of someone in my situation. I came to understand that real power comes from owning our unique differences and talents and redefining what it means to live with a "disability."

So, I chose to embrace the term "adaptive" to describe my life experience. Adaptability means having flexibility, creativity, and an innate ability to confront challenges head-on. As adaptive humans, we possess the incredible power to survive and thrive in the face of adversity. We can transform our perceived weaknesses into strengths and change the narrative written for us by society.

This shift in perspective applies to everyone, not just those with visible or noticeable disabilities. We all face challenges and obstacles to overcome, and embracing our adaptive nature allows us to cultivate resilience and foster inner strength. When we see ourselves as adaptive individuals, we open up a world of possibilities for growth, self-discovery, and empowerment.

We create a more inclusive and supportive world when we shift our focus from perceived limitations to our ability to adapt and overcome them. By changing the narrative around disability and embracing adaptability, we recognize and celebrate every individual's unique strengths and abilities. My mission is to encourage others to join me in this movement, so we can collectively redefine what it means to live with a "disability."

As someone who has been labeled "disabled" from the start, I choose to redefine myself as an adaptive human, capable of resilience and growth. By embracing this perspective, I postulate that we are all adaptive humans with unique strengths and abilities that enable us to thrive. It's time to change the narrative surrounding disability and recognize the incredible adaptability that lies within each of us. So, let us challenge and dismantle the old ways of thinking and work towards creating a more inclusive, understanding, and empowering world for all.