Cryptic, crippled, creative – Cryptivity
On my travels I have learned so much about the daunting lack of accessibility, the frustrations of not being able to keep up, mingle or even get to the buffet! Many lessons learned, with the worst being occasional intolerant attitudes and a general lack of disability awareness that can have a devastating impact on motivation and productivity.
Now my degenerative spinal condition has worsened over the years [probably due to overexertion!] and decreased mobility has had a huge impact on my ability to participate in events and festivals. I can no longer use my tri-wheeler walking frame, but I’m now dependant on the [deficient] NHS wheelchair to get out and about. This also implies someone to accompany me, thus doubling, tripling costs for any attendance. It hasn’t dampened my wish to continue striving for a literary career with potential success and I’m trying to raise money not only for a specialised off-roader wheelchair to gain independence and autonomy, but to eventually support another physically disabled writer.
Living with a physical impediment and chronic pain is debilitating to say the least – but I am not alone. There are many people out there, largely undiscovered and not in the public eye because of their limitations. There are wonderful writers, artists and creatives, who contend with the constant difficulties of just getting through every day, let alone find the energy, determination, confidence and finances to express their artistic inclination and confront inaccessibility when wishing to put themselves into the public domain. This is why the Cryptivity page exists – to eventually give a shout out to some of these wonderful colleagues, provide some personal insight on how to overcome obstacles along with links to organisations, and, being the vociferous kind – a few blogs along the way to help open people’s eyes to better understanding and tolerance of other’s differences. There may be a few rants as well, so be forewarned. I am the ‘Wordslinger’ after all!
By the way, I loathe the word ‘disabled’. It implies I am incapable. I certainly am not! I am just different. But each one of us is unique in our own way – aren’t we?
Visit my GoFundMe page!
Cryptivating Blog
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