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☆ October is Dwarfism Awareness Month!!!! ☆
Elliot (27, they/them) here, I have Achondroplasia dwarfism and run this blog in the hopes to spread some education and awareness on my disability! I am also queer, nonbinary, hard of hearing, and a spoonie! Follow to get to know me and hopefully learn more about my community!!
disabled people when their disability disables them
This disability pride month I’m shouting out to those with Celiac Disease and those with auto immune diseases specifically.
Why?
Because society thinks we’re a joke. We’re a mere trend for weight loss. That we can cheat a little and have a little crumb. That, even with some disability advocates, downplay us as well.
We are disabled, as people with Celiac. Socially, mentally, and physically. Yes, Celiac affects the brain too, so mentally too.
I am tired of even the disability community not seeing that some auto-immune diseases, not just Celiac, QUALIFY as a disability (and recognized in the US by the ADA!).
Celiac is WAY more than a tummy ache. It’s over 300 symptoms. Endless pain. All your favorite restaurants and foods being taken from you. Public isolation because you can only eat at such a small amount of safe restaurants. Pain mentally and pain physically.
Also- shoutout to all auto-immune diseases. We qualify as disabled. I see you, you and your goofy immune system.
FAQ (PLEASE READ BEFORE SENDING ANY ASKS!):
(More below illustrated guide, make sure to read)
Wonderful illustrated guide by @ako-kipali
I have vitiligo does that mean I can't do X, Y, or Z?:
If you have vitiligo: Welcome to the club :D! In general this advice is mainly aimed towards people who don't have vitiligo, BUT if you do, do what you want! The only thing I would ask of you is to be aware that A) People might not be aware that you have vitiligo which is why you're taking liberates with it, B) People might try to emulate your depiction so if someone without the disorder doing something you might find uncomfortable, keep that in mind! and C) Be mindful of whether or not you're contributing to potentially harmful stereotypes! I'm not going to tell you, someone with the disability, that things are off limits, and I am aware that not everyone feels the same about this disorder, but keeping those things in mind won't hurt anybody!
Is it okay for vitiligo to be animal or shape based in pattern?:
NO. It's de-humanizing and harmful as many ablest insults aimed towards people with this disorder are animal-based. Also it purposefully goes out of it's way to make a person less human purely because they're disabled, which is obviously ablest in itself. Vitiligo is a disorder, NOT an aesthetic.
The same applied for characters inspired or based on animals, especially ones that are patterned.
YES this also includes giving them patterns like paint splotches, hearts, stars, and other stuff like that.
How does vitiligo develop?:
Vitiligo is an auto-immune disorder, which means its genetics based, BUT(!) it is not something you are born with, and needs to be developed through a person's life time. There are theories as to how it develops but as far as I'm aware there's no one solid answer.
There are also various comorbidities that can occur with vitiligo including but not limited to hypothyroidism, higher risk or cancer, and even hearing loss.
Are POC the only people who can develop vitiligo?:
Nope! Vitiligo can occur in anyone of any race/ethnicity. The reason why you only see people with darker skin tones portrayed with it is because there's more visual contrast, thus making it seem more unique/distinct/obvious.
What does this blog offer?:
I do all sorts of things! I show examples of vitiligo represented in media, answer any questions people might have about it in general, questions specific to character/plots, character design tips, and sensitivity reading just to name a few!
Why am I not answering an ask?
I've got a few mental and physical conditions which make me extremely tired all the time and sometimes I just don't have the mental energy to do it </3
Also some asks are tricky! I might just hoard the ask until I can think of a proper way to respond or if vitiligo finally gets enough media rep that I can do a proper analysis or make an actual wish-list lol.
Who runs this blog?:
@trinrose3! I developed vitiligo when I was 7 years and and for the majority of the time that I've had this disorder I felt disgusted and ashamed of it. Over the last few years I've learned to appreciate my vitiligo, as well as develop a slight hyperfixation on it in general, so I made this blog in order to spread awareness and positivity!
I'm the only one running this joint so if I'm being a little slow to answer an ask please be patient <3
Also here's a link to my ko-fi I'm struggling to pay bills and the health issues, job market, and other life circumstances are making it really hard right now so every penny is appreciated! I also take art commissions!
https://ko-fi.com/trinrose3
I’m just so frustrated with the pressure to find a job when I know I have such limitations.
The disability struggle bus has been rough lately but things are looking up. I took some time to ride out a flare and now we’re getting back into the swing of things.
Taravali went with me to Costco to get gas and pick up a new Rx. There was no available disabled parking spots (there rarely are at this Costco no matter what time or day) We parked at the edge so she could go potty & do some warmups. The Costco trip was hard but necessary.
After that we went to the courthouse to pay county taxes. I make mistakes a lot when I’m in a bad flare and missing the tax deadline was one of them. Because of that I had to go in person but they waived the late fee.
I got blocked in the courthouse parking lot of all places. I keep my rollator in the front passenger seat because the two XL Rufflands take up the rest of the car. I try to park in places that allow me to open the passenger door but if someone parks in the loading zone I’m often stuck until I can load up the dog & back the car out enough to get it in.
I took pictures of their license plate and parking placard but decided I’m not going to report them. This is where my views on the social model of disability come into play. The percentage of disabled people far outweighs the percentage of disabled parking required at businesses. They count on us policing ourselves instead of changing the systemic issue and that self policing disproportionately harms marginalized communities who are already struggling. I get that not everyone has the luxury of working it out themselves like I could today so a tow might be necessary but as far as my situation is concerned this is an infrastructure issue more than anything and I’m going to treat it as such.
New article about ableism in Smosh! Check it out and let me know what you think!!
Disabled is NOT a dirty word.
