Welcome to Our Blog

For a little while after my multiple sclerosis diagnosis, I found my problem-solving skills weren't as great as they used to be. Not because of MS, but because of my mindset. Like, my hand was weak, and I stumbled over how to shampoo my hair. "Just squeeze the shampoo on your head," said an older friend who'd lived with MS longer than me. Oh. Or when swallowing was difficult and I kept choking on water. "Use a straw," said a younger friend with cerebral palsy. "That's what I do." Doh.

And so it went. Over time I got a kick out of finding different ways to do things to the point where today it'd be hard to tell you all the ways I compensate for this or that.

I'm proud of how seamless my learning to live with my disabilities has become over the years. Generally, I can do whatever I want to do, although it may take me time to figure out how or … OK, yes, full disclosure, I'll choose to do something different and be just as happy. That's personal pride, and that alone is worth celebrating.

What it means to claim space for disability pride

Disability Pride celebration at Schenley Park in Pittsburgh

Claiming space for disability pride includes these types of personal anecdotes, for sure.

It's the guy who clawed his way back up into an apartment after spending time on the street after a mental health crisis. It's the kid who made the school give her extra time to take a test. Or the elder who left the safe nursing home three years after their stroke because safe isn't always the same thing as free. Or the friends who band together to support each other via Venmo or Cashapp when together they have enough to help pay for their buddy’s Uber home from work.

Isn't that beautiful?

Or the comedian who turned a long list of acronymed diagnoses into song and routines. Because ya gotta laugh at this stuff, ya just gotta laugh.

Those last two examples are more about community pride: That feeling we get when we enjoy each others' company, accomplishments and support. It strengthens us, and frees up time and space to create, whether it be change or art.

But there's another level too—the kind of pride that comes from showing up together, visibly, unapologetically. That's what we're building with Disability Pride Pennsylvania. When we gather at Schenley Plaza or march to the Capitol steps or create accessible outdoor spaces across the state, we're not just celebrating. We're changing what people expect to see. We're changing who gets to take up space in public life.

Why this blog?

This is where we tell those stories. The personal ones, the community ones, the movement-building ones. We'll share what's happening across Pennsylvania—the artists, advocates, troublemakers, and joy-seekers who are claiming space in their own ways. We'll point you toward resources, opportunities, and each other. And yeah, we'll entertain you along the way, because disability culture is creative, hilarious, and endlessly inventive.

Claiming space isn't about asking permission. It's about showing up and making room for more of us to follow. So welcome. Pull up a chair or bring your own. There's plenty of space here.

How do you claim space for yourself as a disabled person? We’d love to know! Submit your blog, reel, or art to Josie Byzek at Josie@disabilitypridepa.org.