I am not an expert on disability.
I have been hearing impaired my entire life and worn hearing aids since I was three years old. I have lived with hydrocephalus and Dandy-Walker Syndrome since I was diagnosed at five years old. Four and a half years ago, I became quadriplegic after a freak illness. I’ve recovered my mobility but I still have many health problems.
I’ve told my story over and over again not to bore my loyal readers but because I believe it is vitally important to tell my story. I want to put a woman’s face on spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
I think the best way to help other women with paralysis and spinal cord injuries is to tell my story, to demystify this crazy injury. I believe – I hope – that by speaking out, I am empowering others.
However, this is only my story. I would like to hear yours. If you are a (cis or trans) woman with a disability or a chronic medical condition, I’d like to interview you for this blog. I am interested in what it’s really like to live with your disability/condition on a daily basis, how it affects you, any discrimination/barriers you face and even what you like about living with your disability/condition.
If you are interested in sharing your story, please email me at danine@danine.net. I will be happy to work with you to conduct the interview in whatever format best meets your needs.
Cartoon originally from WillDrawAnything.com
I'm Danine Spencer and I am (in no particular order) a writer, blogger, feminist, disability rights advocate, political nerd, techie, dog-lover and Diet Coke addict. Please click on the
I too was born with Dandy Walker syndrome. I was shunted at ten days old. Thanks so much for your post! I write a blog about my experiences and I’ve been looking for a community of other disability/illness bloggers! I found a list of blogs at the “blogher” site. Do you have any other ideas about where I should look to attract other people with similar issues to my blog? I really want to help people like you’ve helped me and also have their support! Thanks again.