Powerfully Disabled

Powerfully Disabled

A blog to empower those with disabilities and their allies.

My Name is Kelsi Weaver, not your Inspiration

This topic is something that’s been on my mind for a while. Usually, the words come eloquently and naturally when I write, but lately, it’s been a struggle to find the right words, so I hope I can do this justice! Something that I often hear from many people I meet is that I am…

August 23, 2022
“Nothing About Us Without Us” – My Advice for a Parent of Someone with a Disability

I would like to dedicate this blog to all parents of a child with a disability. If I could offer one single piece of advice to parents, I would say one thing. Teach your child to be an advocate because no matter how much of a loving and strong support system they may have, they…

August 9, 2022
I DREAM OF ALL AMERICAN HOMES BUILT THIS WAY – By Adam Helbling

Up until the night of January 22, 2011, I viewed everything through the lens of most Americans. Stairs were not obstacles that got in the way of me getting into a friend’s or family member’s house. I did not have to go searching for curb cuts to cross the street. I also never had to…

August 2, 2022
“Let The Shameful Wall of Exclusion Finally Come Tumbling Down. “

Thirty-two years ago today, on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act, also known as The ADA, was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. For someone like myself who identifies as having a disability, this law has made a big impact for myself and so many other generations of people, and it…

July 26, 2022
“The Best Therapist Has Fur and Four Legs,” My Service Dog Jackson!

If you are a dog person, you know that love from a dog is like nothing else! I never realized this until I met my service dog, Jackson, for the first time. I received Jackson from the Assistance Dogs for Achieving Independence Program, which takes place at The Ability Center in Sylvania, Ohio. Having Jackson…

July 19, 2022
What Disability Pride Means To Me

The whole month of July is Disability Pride Month. This month occurs so that disabled people can have their voices heard and bring awareness to issues that affect our community. July is known as Disability Pride Month because President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law on July 26, 1990. As…

July 12, 2022
My Wheelchair is My Freedom

I have cerebral palsy, and I have had to rely on a mobility device for my whole life. When I was younger and small, I used an umbrella stroller, and then when I got older and was big enough, I started using a wheelchair. Some people refer to people who use a wheelchair to get…

July 5, 2022
Advocacy: The Fire In My Soul

Last week I got asked a question that stuck with me, so I’d figure I’d talk about it. This person asked me “how did you become such a strong advocate at a young age?” The first memory I have of advocating for myself I was five years old, and I just started kindergarten. I remember…

June 28, 2022
What Crip Camp The Film Has Taught Me as a Person with A Disability.

Throughout our history we have heard of movements that have inspired change and have made a difference. An example of this includes the civil rights movement which fought for equal rights for African Americans and people of color. Another example of a movement that changed the course of history is the women’s liberation movement which…

June 21, 2022
My Needs Are Not Special

For this post I want to talk about something that has been on my mind recently. I think everyone can agree that the words we use have power and meaning and once you put something out into the world there is no taking it back! So, it is always important to be cautious and respectful…

June 14, 2022