What annoys me as a person who has a disability? I get asked this question by people who know me well. My answer? A lot of things!

Let’s start with people who treat me like a young child. Nurses at my appointments sometimes drive me crazy ! “Can I take your temperature, babygirl?” My mom and I look at each other and know what each other is thinking. We think “Seriously? Do you have to treat me like this?” I learned to just laugh it off. Humor keeps me sane in these situations. Fortunately, my doctor treats me like a high schooler.

Another thing that annoys me is how some people don’t include me. But fortunately, some people who seem like they have no experience with people with disabilities include me. It just is confusing how a person who has never met me before selflessly gives up time with their friends at the zoo to keep me company, but a family friend ignores me. Sometimes, I just want to tell people to include me more! Just because I have a disability doesn’t mean I don’t want to be a part of activities.

When peers don’t do their schoolwork, I’m think to myself, “You have no idea how much energy it takes to do homework with one hand!” I would do anything to be able to get my binders out of my backpack. When students don’t seem to care about school, I feel like yelling at students to do their homework and pay attention in class.

Negative talk about the littlest things, such as the weather or exercising, is also an annoyance. I could complain a lot about having a disability, but I choose not to. Being positive is the key for overcoming obstacles. Sometimes, being positive is the most important thing to do when you are overwhelmed.

Even though I have things that annoy me, I have so much more to enjoy in my life.