Mélange Accessibility for All Magazine April 2022 | Page 23

To Table of Contents that I was different , I pulled on that knowledge while in college and gathered myself together ! Frequent self-talks helped where I reminded myself that I always had this dream of furthering my studies . There were no universities in my country that catered only to students with disabilities , so I had to learn how to exist in this new environment . And I did . I eventually made many friends who were very supportive .
Limitations
I was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta so I use crutches and can ’ t easily access staircases . My bones are soft , so I must be constantly mindful of where I ’ m stepping so I don ’ t slip and fall . I fracture easily and these are very painful .
I ' m short in stature so I need to be around someone to help me get things that are positioned higher than I can reach .
It ' s a challenge to have romantic relationships because of my disability . In my culture , interabled relationships are not common .
My greatest accomplishment to date
Obtaining my bachelor ’ s degree has been my biggest achievement . It has always been one of my major dreams that I would graduate from a
university one day . I graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Development Studies with Sociology . I am very proud of this achievement .
Volunteer Activities
I am actively involved in disability advocacy . Currently , I serve as a board member of the Women and Girls with Disabilities Rights of Zambia and was recently appointed to the National Executive for Women and Girls with Disabilities . I am invited to give inspirational talks at schools including two special schools in my hometown .