Ten years ago, I woke up in the hospital feeling hopeful and grateful. I’d survived 18 months of dying from a rare auto-immune disease that my GP had missed. I’d survived thanks to my keen eye for detail, my willingness to speak up to my GP, and the availability of medications to keep me alive. I knew that I’d dodged a bullet. I wanted to do the most I could with whatever health I had left.

When I look back at the past decade of living disabled, I can’t help but feel proud. It is not “Yay, I love being sick and in bed all the time!” It’s - “I’m proud of what I have achieved, how I’ve endured, and who I’ve become as a disabled person.”

For example: I transitioned from being a child psychologist into more accessible work in disability consulting and writing. This wasn’t easy. I had to try new things that took me out of my comfort zone. I still cannot believe I drew a colourful, huge self-portrait displayed in Australia’s first Disability Pride Mural!

I dove into the disability and chronic illness communities. I gained an eye-opening and humbling education in disability, ableism, politics, and systemic issues. I made wonderful new friends and important advocacy connections.

They encouraged me to access disability support and mobility aids that have allowed me to continue spending precious time with my partner, friends, and family, to work a few hours a week, and to go out on mini adventures. I love being able to get outside into the fresh air and ride my mobility scooter along beachside boardwalks and bush tracks. It’s been difficult navigating Australia’s NDIS and I’m proud of myself for fighting for a good quality of life.

Acquiring a disability is not just a life-changing experience, it’s a person-changing experience. Disabled-Charlie is a completely new person; I’m more creative, wise, flexible, determined, and assertive than before. I have a strong purpose - to improve life for myself and my communities. So here’s cheers to 10 wonderful years of disabled life!

About the author:

Charlie Park (she/they) is an influential disability writer, educator and consultant working on Boon Wurrang Lands in Melbourne. They retired early from their career in clinical child psychology due to disabling chronic illnesses and late diagnosed Autism. Charlie now uses her lived and professional experience to advocate for a world that is more accommodating of neurodivergence and patients with chronic illnesses. Charlie is represented by @championhealthagency. Follow them @meanderingpark.