I had accepted the label of disability long ago. So what was I running from? Acceptance. That was my pursuer. It's one thing to claim disability and fight for my rights and the rights of others; it is another thing entirely to devote myself to building a life that nurtures my bodymind, rather than operating in spite of it.
Author: Ashton Rose
Ashton Rose is a freelance disability blogger, SEO writer, creator, and educator. Writing professionally since 2019, they specialize in SEO-driven blog posts about disability, gardening, and mental health. Ashton has worked with dozens of clients across the globe on everything from blog posts to web copy, ebooks, and more. When not writing, Ashton loves to crochet, garden, play video games, and cuddle with cute animals.
They can be found on LinkedIn @ashtonrosewrites and on the web at ashtonrosewrites.com.
The silent migraine is a uniquely hellish beast that, in my own experience, has proven far more resistant to taming than its more common cousin. Follow along as I break down what this type of migraine is and what it looks like for me.
Before self-diagnosis, I always felt like a piece of me was missing. I struggled with an internal sense of self because I felt I had no core to anchor myself to. I didn't respect my sensory needs, and in return they caused me mishap after mishap. Now, I just feel... happier. Calmer.
It's a lie crafted to shame nonnormative bodyminds which can't meet standards of productivity, output, and success. While it is true that you may be able to ignore symptoms for some time, they will always come back stronger than before. Disability is not something to be overcome; it demands respect and accommodation. It demands love.
It's difficult to ground teaching practice in Disability Justice when so much of the educational system is antithetical to those values. Still, I try, and I am very open with my students about that. Things are a bit easier as a mentor. My first-year college students are able to comprehend more quickly the tenets of DJ, and we can meet outside of the crushing pressures of the educational system.
Does chocolate cause migraines? Can it help them? Should you ever eat chocolate again? These questions haunt many of us who have migraines, as well as those wanting to learn more. Using my own experiences, chats I've had with others, and information from the scientific review I just linked, let's explore.
Rachel's post is full of resources, ideas, and tools to keep yourself steady in the next few years and beyond. Below is an excerpt, from an email to friends which they quote in the post. If you want to read the full thing, click the button after the excerpt.
Just as an adrenaline-filled moment wrestling with a friend was my first queer awakening, Care vs. Cure was my first true disabled awakening. All at once, I learned what Disability Studies was and became confident that I belonged in it. But it was Disability Justice that made me realize that disability is a political identity as well.
This list is simply five of my favorite disabled characters across different media. Not the absolute best representation, or most reviewed, or anything else. Just my personal favorites.
Bringing the realm of disability into the intimacy space can only make it messier. Disabled lives are messy. Physically, spiritually, emotionally, relationally. Thus, disabled intimacy is always messy. But that doesn't mean it can't feel really, really good.
Ashton Rose 