International Day of Persons with Disabilities - 3rd December
- sophb
- Dec 3
- 2 min read
Today is a day that means something to me, its not just a date on the calendar, not just a hashtag but a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate who I am and the community I’m proudly part of.
I’m 33 years old, I’m a strong, independent woman. I’m ambitious, driven, and full of plans that often make people raise their eyebrows. I also have Cerebral Palsy and I say that with pride, not apology.
For a long time, the world has taught us that disability was something to overcome, something to hide, something that made life smaller.
But my life? It’s anything but small.
I’ve travelled, explored new cities, crossed oceans, and said yes to experiences many people assume someone like me wouldn’t or couldn’t do. I’ve zipped across zip lines, I’ve raced through gyms, learning new ways to move and build strength in my own body. More recently, I did something that terrified and thrilled me in equal measure: indoor skydiving at iFly - no excuses, no limits, just pure joy and adrenaline.
My wheelchair isn’t a barrier, It’s a vehicle, literally and metaphorically, it's for movement, access, independence and opportunity. My disability doesn’t prevent adventure; sometimes it’s the reason I chase it harder. However, as much as today is about pride, it’s also about honesty.
There are still barriers whether that be physical, digital or societal. There are still moments where access is treated like a favour, where inclusion relies on someone being “nice” rather than systems being fair. There are still places I can go, things I can do, and roles I can hold but often only if I fight harder than anyone else in the room.
And that’s why days like today matter, because disability isn’t a tragedy.The lack of inclusion is.
Disabled people deserve:
✔️ Accessible travel without having to call ahead nine times.
✔️ Buildings designed for everyone — not just “most people.”
✔️ Opportunities based on ability, not assumptions.
✔️ Voices at the table — not tokenism or silence.
We deserve to be seen — fully, loudly, unapologetically.
To every disabled person reading this:
✨ You are not inspiring just because you exist
✨ You are valuable because you are human, capable, and worthy
✨ Your story matters.
✨ Your identity is valid.
✨ You do not need permission to take up space.
To everyone else:
Listen. Learn. Challenge assumptions. Let's build a world where accessibility isn’t an add-on, it’s the default.
Today, I’m celebrating who I am: Disabled. Strong. Unstoppable. I’m celebrating everyone who recognises that people with disabilities are not invisible, fragile, or limited, instead we are vibrant, diverse, adventurous, talented and powerful.
Here’s to progress, representation, access and pride.
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