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With Pride.

Thank you to all those who have shared your stories with us.

Discover the stories that were submitted here at our website below.

Visit our influencer story page to see the stories that have been shared by our influencer partners.

Want to see your story here? Simply fill out the form below and upload your image or video to share your Disability Pride with us.

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Jimmy

I am a man in my 50’s with a rare birth defect called spina bifida. The doctors told my parents that I wasn’t supposed to live past a year old, and here I am, 50-some years later (knock on wood). I had a challenging childhood that continued into adulthood, but with the help of family and friends, this journey overall has been great. I have been to places like London and Paris and places within the United States. Some of the travel has been hard, BUT my philosophy is 'life is what you make it.'

Nicole

As someone who was always ashamed of having anxiety, ADHD, and trichotillomania for the past 20 years, I am forever grateful to have found an organization that takes pride in disability and helps others embrace who they are! I am slowly but surely opening up to others about this and I am so thankful to have friends and colleagues who love and accept me for who I am, as I'm still learning to love myself just how I am along the way.

Juan Carlos

Uso muletas para movilizarme desde hace 39 años asta el momento soy feliz tengo una hija de 15 años i pues disfruto la vida.

Vince

I’m a 74-year-old power-chair user and the Admin/Publicist for the Facebook page TRAINED ACTORS with REAL DISABILITIES for FILM & TV. I previously spent 32 years as a Disability Rights Advocate, ADA Consultant, and Podcast Producer.

Robyn

I was born disabled. On the evening of December 30th, 2015, I had my VERY first seizure. And then on January 15, 2016, I got diagnosed with epilepsy. We did genetic testing, to see if there was a connection. And there was. They found out that I have Smith-Magenis Syndrome, which is a rare chromosome disorder. It affects different parts of the body. So for me, my left kidney is smaller and has scar tissue and a benign heart condition. I’ve also got ADD.

Mike

My name is Mike D. My friends call me Money Mike. I live in Los Angeles. I love to surf. I like to make tie dye shirts. I even teach people to tie dye. I work at a resale shop because I love books and DVDs.

Stevie

Stevie was two years old when she was diagnosed with Sotos syndrome (a very rare genetic disorder). She is doing great, working hard, and always has a smile on her face. She loves to sing and is known for giving the best hugs.

Nik

Hi! My name is Nik Sanchez and I am Awesomely Autistic! 😎💙 I didn't always think I was awesome, though. With my autism, I also have ADHD and Tourette's Syndrome. I used to be bullied a lot and I wanted to be "normal" so bad. I never wanted to talk about my disabilities, but the more I tried to hide them and everything that makes me me, the more lost I felt. I finally learned to embrace it all and be proud of what makes me, me, because there is only one Me. Different does not have to mean "wrong" or "bad". Different can be cool and unique and AWESOME! I am the only Awesomely Autistic Nik and I am proud of that. 😀 We are all one of a kind and should love everything about ourselves as much as possible.

Shivani

Hi, my names is Shivani and I am living and thriving with Ataxia-telangiectasia (AT). As someone with a disability, I have personally experienced the challenges as well as the fruitful outcomes. Learning how to overcome the obstacles that come with a disability have shaped me and my personality to what I am today. I have many people in my life that I wouldn't know if it weren't for my disability as well as so many incredible life experiences. I've accomplished so much: receiving my AA from Grossmont College with honors, and my BA from SDSU, also with honors. I'm currently working on writing my memoir to inspire people with or without disabilities. Disability is definitely NOT a dirty word!

Jared

I’m 29 and have autism. I love playing video games and take a video animation class every week. I’d enjoy meeting and spending time with others.

Francisco

Tuve un accidente en mi trabajo y me quebre la espina dorsal y ahora uso silla de rueda

Amanda

Hello, I was born with a heart condition called AVSD and have undergone four open-heart surgeries—three before I turned 5 and one when I was 26. I was in special education classes throughout my life. After high school, I worked here and there, but never had many opportunities to work growing up because my mom was very protective of me. Now, at 34 years old, I’ve finally got a job, and I absolutely love it!

Vadim

Hello everyone!

My name is Vadim, I'm 54 years old, and I’m originally from Russia. I do everything with my right hand 🦾. After an injury, I had to rebuild my life from scratch. I have three wonderful sons, lead a healthy lifestyle, and have been living in LA for the past two years, working 12–14 hours a day in delivery.

My dream is to become a U.S. citizen and start a production line for equipment designed specifically for people with disabilities. There is nothing like it in the U.S., and this business would provide job opportunities for many individuals with disabilities.

I’m truly grateful for everything I have and wish peace and kindness to everyone. Love and hugs to all!

Mario

My name is Mario, and I was born with a processing disability. But I don’t let that stop me from achieving my goals. Ever since I was seven, I knew I had the potential to accomplish great things. Now, as a young man, I work for the Boys and Girls Club as a Youth Development Professional, and I’m also attending CSUN. It’s amazing to prove to myself and others that, despite having a learning disability, nothing is impossible.

Miracle

Miracle Pelayo is an actor based in Los Angeles with Cerebral Palsy. Growing up in a family with a strong acting background, she was drawn to the camera at a young age, creating stories with her family’s home video camera when she was just four. At twelve, after seeing a production of The Miracle Worker, she became determined to pursue acting, and the theater ignited her passion for performing.