First—the image in my post was created with the wordpress’s AI image generator based on the text in this blog. It’s weird, but i’m going with it.

Second—my journey is going well…despite tripping over my current leg more than a few times…

May is here, and today is (or was, by the time I get around finishing this post) Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)! It’s a perfect time to reflect on accessibility and inclusion. I hope your journey has been rewarding; here’s a peek into mine—facing unexpected challenges, box breathing, and gearing up for an exciting event!

The New ‘Leg’ of My Journey

Just when I thought I was getting the hang of this whole cyber lifestyle, 2024 served up another surprise—another leg. No, not the one I was expecting. Another one. I did receive the one I was expecting—after casting and a ‘check’ socket (which is temporary and made out of plastic)—but after only a few days, my ‘definitive’ socket (which is made out of carbon fiber) started to get really, really loose. And kept getting looser. The first check socket, apparently, hadn’t been truthful.

So, back to the drawing board. We recasted, I received a new check socket, and then, shortly thereafter, that check socket cracked. So, back to the drawing board…again. Recast, check socket, no cracks reported at this time. And I’m walking around in this check socket for a few more weeks to make sure the next definitive leg fits. For a while. Because this process has been…a lot…

Adjusting to a new prosthesis is like learning to dance with a new partner who steps on your toes more than you’d like. It’s been about a week with this one, and we are still mashing each others toes – and I only have 5 to begin with! The process this time around has been waaaaaay more stressful than I anticipated, so I’m having to adjust both physically AND mentally. But I am meditating more and journaling about the positives – and both seem to be helping.

Gearing Up for the Amputee Coalition Conference

On a brighter note, I’m looking forward to channeling some of this prosthetic-i-ness into something super productive. I just registered for the upcoming Amputee Coalition National Conference 2024 this August in Atlanta. It seems like the perfect setting to connect with others who are navigating similar paths and to exchange our triumphs, tragedies, and general dark, limb-ited humor. Lol.

Registering for this event feels like a mix between going on a first date (I think…it’s been a while…) and gearing up for a family reunion—the anxiousness of meeting someone new while visiting with a community that continues to inspire and support each other through many, many ups and downs. I’ve also signed up to volunteer, which will give me less opportunity for me to shy away into the shadows and then regret “not putting myself out there” later! Yay for self knowledge!

Reflections and Connections

This GAAD, I’m truly grateful for the community we have and the collective knowledge we share—those with disabilities, accessibility advocates, doctors, nurses, prosthetists, physical therapists, technologists, caregivers, question-askers, and inquisitive children. It’s these connections that make the bumps in the road a little smoother and the victories ever-so-much sweeter.

Here’s to more learning, adapting, connecting, and, of course, to finding assistive devices that fit perfectly.

Happy GAAD, everyone! Let’s make every step count. Just watch your toes.😊