Growing up with cerebral palsy, I didn’t know what independence looked like for me. For a long time, I defined independence as doing everything on my own. This meant not asking for help or accommodations. To me, needing support seemed like the opposite of being independent. 

That meant for years, I sought to adapt to a world that wasn’t designed with disabilities in mind. I pushed myself to keep up and stay quiet about my struggles, just to prove I was as capable as my peers. The truth was that I was capable, but I grew exhausted trying to operate like an able-bodied person in a disabled body. Instead of living the life I wanted, I was trying to fit in and live the life others expected from me. 

Everything shifted when I began to consider that what independence meant for me was the freedom to live a full, productive life. Once I gave myself permission to need things that able-bodied people might not require, everything changed. I realized my goals, dreams, and voice were mine to use — not someone else’s. Refusing to live by able-bodied standards or let others determine what I did and did not need was incredibly freeing. With this new framework steering my life, I became more productive, more purposeful, and more me.

I’ve built my career around helping others find this same independence. I deeply believe that when people with disabilities are given the space and support to lead their own lives, incredible things happen.

If you're navigating this round to independence, I'm here to cheer you on as someone who knows just how challenging it can be to grasp the reins and seize control of your journey. And, if you find that you need a helping hand, reach out. With person-centered planning, I'll help you craft a plan to identify and support your goals.