• My name is Lauren. I am disabled and use a wheelchair.
• I was born with Cerebral Palsy which is often referred to as C.P.
• Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disability, which affects body movement, posture and balance.
• I also have a learning disability called dyscalculia, which means I have difficulty understanding number-based information and math.
• I’m not going to tell you that being disabled is a “blessing in disguise.”
• It’s not. It sucks and I wish that I wasn’t.
• I don’t need your pity or to be put on a pedestal as an “inspiration.”
• If I can help someone feel less alone and more seen then I've done my job.
• I am an adult woman with my own gifts and shortcomings.
• We need your acknowledgement and willingness to listen.
• I’m a disability rights advocate. I want to make the world a more accessible, considerate and kinder place for everyone.
• Music is my life, especially punk rock.
• 70's punk and 80's hardcore are my favorite style of punk.
• The punk scene is supposed to be a place where outcasts find community and acceptance.
• I'm obsessed with TV, documentaries, audio-books and movies. Storytelling is a bridge to learning about each other and gaining empathy.
• My favorite TV show of all-time is Mr Robot,
• I'm a super fan of basketball and American football.
• I love the San Francisco 49ers, first and foremost In college, I root for UNC, UCF and Nebraska. In the NBA, my favorite player is Jimmy Butler. I like guys who play defense.
• I LOVE people but find humanity as a whole to be pretty disappointing.
• Animals, especially cats and dogs, warm my heart.