For over a decade, Hannah Shewan Stevens struggled with the term “disabled.” Despite facing numerous health challenges, she refrained from identifying as disabled until now. At 31, Stevens has transformed her perspective, finding pride in her identity and advocating for the rights of the disabled community.
Stevens, who experienced a life-altering health crisis in 2008 when she contracted sepsis, developed several chronic illnesses, including fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, and localized scleroderma. Even though these conditions qualified her as disabled, she initially resisted the label. She recalls a time when she believed that being disabled meant using a wheelchair or having visible impairments, leading to her reluctance to embrace her identity.
The societal stigma surrounding disability was palpable for Stevens. Comments from others often dismissed her experiences as mere illness rather than acknowledging them as disabilities. “You are sick, not disabled,” she remembers hearing, contributing to her internal struggle. The fear of being viewed as seeking attention or pity led her to downplay her symptoms.
Confronting discrimination became a turning point for Stevens. A negative experience with a healthcare provider who dismissed her struggles as over-sensitivity compelled her to reassess her identity. The fight for basic medical care revealed the systemic barriers many disabled individuals face, prompting her to embrace the term “disabled” more fully.
By claiming her identity, Stevens found a community where she could share her experiences and advocate for disability rights. She noted that while this acceptance did not eradicate discrimination, it empowered her to speak out against unfair treatment. In the workplace, for instance, she faced skepticism regarding her disability status, which delayed necessary accommodations.
Advocacy has become a cornerstone of Stevens’ life. She actively participates in the disabled community, highlighting the ongoing struggle for equality. According to statistics, approximately one in four adults in the UK lives with a disability. Despite legal protections, disabled individuals often face societal discrimination and economic hardships.
Stevens expressed her dismay over the portrayal of disabled people as burdens in media and political discourse. Recent data indicates that in the year leading up to March 2024, over 10,000 incidents of hate crimes against disabled individuals were reported in England and Wales, yet only 1% resulted in convictions. This disparity emphasizes the urgent need for societal change.
The International Day for Persons with Disabilities, observed annually on December 3, seeks to raise awareness and support for individuals with disabilities. Established by the United Nations, the day promotes inclusion and accessibility, urging governments and organizations to create initiatives that benefit disabled individuals.
Stevens urges everyone to recognize this day as an opportunity to celebrate diversity and advocate for a more inclusive world. “The disabled community is the only marginalized group anyone can join at any time,” she noted, questioning why broader society often remains indifferent to the challenges faced by disabled individuals.
As Stevens reflects on her journey, she acknowledges that her experiences with disability and chronic illness have shaped her identity. She remains committed to her role in the global community of over one billion disabled individuals, determined to raise awareness and foster understanding. “I won’t ever be silent,” she asserts, embodying the resilience and strength of the disabled community.
