I currently have a disability called epilepsy, it is actually one of the most prevalent neurological conditions however it does not receive as much attention as other conditions/disorders though it can have life-altering consequences. I feel most supported when surrounded by others who are empathic to my situation and are understanding that certain obligations/requirements cannot always be adhered to because my condition gets in the way of meeting those obligations/requirements unlike it would for an ordinary individual who has a clean bill of health. I believe one way we can defeat the stigma surrounding disabilities is to simply be more understanding of others which may not seem like much, or be a cure-all for addressing stigma, but in my experience it is not the condition that bothers me but instead is the lack of understanding and compassion that others fail to show to those with disabilities.

I do not personally have a disability but do have a sibling with down syndrome. This has opened my eyes in multiple ways and has helped me to always be understanding of any type of disability. Especially, having someone close in your family, it truly follows that saying "treat other show you want to be treated" for me its also "treat others with a disability how you want your sibling to be treated". We need to remember that a disability is not holding those who have it back, there are just other ways they may have to travel to meet their end goals than someone without the disability. I hate when people think of disabled people as being different or unable to do what most can.

I was diagnosed with anxiety and some OCD last year. COVID-19 made it very hard for me because I felt isolated. It was hard to tell my friends and family in fear of what they'd think. I was mostly worried they'd think I was faking it. The best thing for me was talking to my therapist and getting on medication to help me deal with my anxiety.

My sister was recently diagnosed with ADHD. She typically got good grades in high school. Her disability did not affect her until she got to college when her grades started slipping. she is proof that many people have disabilities, and they may even be invisible.

In highschool I would volunteer for special olympics and work with disabled people. i think we should treat them as normal people and work together to make everyone feel welcomed!

My boss at work has Alopecia and has told me about the struggles of losing her hair during highschool. It was so sad to hear the names she was called and how she only felt beautiful/loved if she wore a wig. I could not imagine feeling so vulnerable and held back when everyone around you is growing into themselves. Although she has been set back by past experiences, she does not let it stop her from being kind to others.

I have PTSD from an abusive childhood. This, unfortunately, played a major role in who I am today. When the topic has come up, I find it interesting how many people are quick to deny my experience and defend my abuser (my mother). The way I could feel supported is to not be invalidated when I open up to someone I trust. It also really helps me to feel less alone and more understood when I come across someone who had a similar experience and isn't afraid to share.

My mom has a muscular dystrophy disorder. It makes me pretty biased against people with physical disabilities because I've had to take care of her for most of my life.
I do think that one way we can approach disabilities is by treating disabled people like ordinary people instead of as victims. My mom does not have a perfect personality despite her disorder—she can be mean and narcissistic at times, just like most people. But because her disability has caused her to struggle so much, she can get away with that kind of behavior more than most; her disability has become an excuse for failings in other areas when it should be an opportunity to grow.

While I personally do not have a disability, someone I work with does, and he has told me about how he experiences school differently than most. He explained to me that he has different interests than everybody else around his age, and he prefres to be alone, becasue he said that socializing can be difficult for him. I think something we can do to defeat stigma surrounding disabilities is to not put people with disabilities into a box, aka stereotyping.

I myself do not have a disability but I have some family members and friends back home that do. Without getting too specific, my aunt's has a severe anxiety disability and a learning disability that prevents her from living an independent life. That dows not mean that she lives a boring life. She still enjoys many hobbies such as reading and knitting, and she alwasy loves seeing all of us family even when it may be hard for her.

A story of my experiences: Growing up in a small town, there were not very many kids with disabilities. However, there was one man, who was quite a few years older than me, who had autism. Unfortunately, this disease always seemed to be painted in a negative light, but this person completely changed many people's perspective on it. Instead of looking at autism as a disabilty, I now view it as a "super power." For example, this man's hobby was making pajama pants for every one he loved. He was amazing at it, and made beautiful pants! The coolest part is he remembers exactly what person got what pants ! And he had made hundreds and hundreds of pants -- like over 700. I just think that is absolutely crazy! Also,he chooses fabric that represents that person, which is very thoughtful! Not to mention, is one of the kindest people i have ever met!

I was born with an arm partially paralyzed. I've had to protect it and adjust a lot of activities to function but I love the way I was born. I would not be me without my disability. I feel most supported by my friends and doctors. Not staring at people with disabilities is a huge thing anyone can fix. Curiosity is one thing but rudeness is not needed.