What's obvious to us may not be so obvious to others. In this episode, we continue our conversation about the disparities between how we see ourselves and how others see us. The gaps in those perceptions often create misunderstandings and unmet needs and has an impact on our lives in ways that surprise even us. We get into some of the nuances of the disabilities that others can see and the ones they can't--like chronic pain. Along the way, we take some funny detours on time management and productivity.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Identity and Disability

02:40 The Impact of Unmet Needs

05:39 Navigating Social Perceptions

08:38 The Complexity of Accessibility

11:32 The Role of Time in Disability

14:30 Embracing Slower Living

17:17 Invisible Disabilities and Their Challenges

20:21 The Intersection of Disability and Work

23:27 Coping with Chronic Pain

26:14 The Influence of the Pandemic on Work Culture

29:20 Rethinking Time and Productivity

32:07 The Future of Accessibility

35:00 Reflections on Identity and Experience

This episode takes a candid look at disability as an endurance sport—where identity, resilience, and community reshape what care and compassion mean.

We explore the emotional and physical endurance of living with a disability, framing daily life as a constant act of adaptation. Our conversation delves into how identity evolves through loss and uncertainty—especially within medical systems that often lack answers. We reflect on how we cope with fundemental changes to our sense of self and how resilience is forged from adversity.

Needing to use a cane or wheelchair can throw a person into an identity crisis because of the stigma they carry. Accepting the use of an aid can be a difficult transition and one that many people resist or reject even when an aid is important for their safety and independence.

This conversation delves into how our sense of self is impacted by our needs and how we can reframe our thinking on aids to get the most out of the technology available to us.