Sarah Wise is a young woman living with both a visible and invisible disability. She’s a regular writer for the EveryHuman blog, a platform where contributors share different perspectives and elevate disabled voices. She is sharing her journey of navigating life post-disability, and the nuances that come with it.
Sarah’s Story: Life As A Walking Quadriplegic
I refer to myself as a ‘walking quadriplegic’. People scoff, and say ‘oh, you’re not a quadriplegic!’. Quadriplegics can’t walk, right? They make assumptions about what a quadriplegic looks like, but they don’t understand that a quadriplegic can look like me.
Friends have often congratulated me for making a full recovery, which can be deflating. I know I’ll never be the person I was before my accident, no matter how hard I try or how many hours I put into therapy. Full recovery from spinal cord injuries is rare, and for me, it is not a possibility. I will always have some loss of function.
It is now just shy of two years past my accident. On good days, my disability is invisible. By the end of the day, though, fatigue has set in, my feet aren’t picking up as well as they did in the morning, and I start to trip every fourth step. My balance isn’t as good as it was earlier in the day, my pain is increasing, and energy is escaping me. This is the point where I think ‘I should have brought my walking stick,’ as I feel awkward asking for a seat.
Disability affects 1 in 6 Australians. Disability doesn’t have one ‘look’. With more representation, I believe disability will become less ‘foreign’ to those not exposed to this demographic within their circles.
Sarah’s Top Picks For Easier Travel
- Hands-free reusable bottles are the perfect dexterity-friendly travel companion.
- Wide leather comfort sneakers with a wrap-around zipper saves you from having to tie laces, making them easier to put on and off.
- Sensory-friendly items are a must-have for travel: noise-cancelling headphones, ear plugs, and more.
Why Sarah Chooses EveryHuman
EveryHuman allows me to choose clothing, footwear, and lifestyle products that fit me – both functionally and fashionably. Its adaptability is discreet, and I don’t have to compromise my personal style. It fits my needs and makes my life easier – a win-win!
Visit the EveryHuman website for a range of products, all NDIS approved. If you have any questions, you can contact them by email or call them on 02 8437 1799.
This feature first appeared in Travel Without Limits magazine. You can subscribe here.
