Inclusion vs. Exclusion: Seeing it from all sides

“… how can I encourage inclusion if I am content with sitting silently on the sidelines. Ending exclusion starts with asking a simple question: ‘What about me?’”

– Jennifer Digmann

I’ve been thinking a lot about inclusion lately. Or, if I’m to be totally honest: I don’t enjoy feeling like I am being excluded just because I use power wheelchair.

This isn’t to say that my friends HAVE to invite me to everything. I just don’t want to get comfortable with being consciously or subconsciously overlooked.  

I am excited to share with you a recent essay I wrote that was posted online at multiplesclerosis.net. “Sure, I Have MS. But What About Me?” offers an honest assessment of my personal experiences to challenge stereotypes and highlight the importance of recognizing people with physical disabilities beyond our health conditions.

And no, this isn’t a personal rant. You know that’s not my style 🙂

This is a perspective I needed to share because I know I’m not the only person living with MS and a disability who has these kinds of experiences. Raising such awareness will continue to bring depth to this conversation and inspire understanding and empathy.

I encourage you to read my essay and join Dan and me in promoting inclusivity and awareness.

For continued discussion on the topic of inclusion, be sure to listen to Episode 68 of our A Couple Takes on MS Podcast – Taking on inclusion despite disabilities – on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.When you’re finished reading and listening, I invite you to share my essay and our podcast so we can collectively contribute to a more compassionate and informed understanding of what it’s like to live with MS and a disability.