The Art of Patience: Lessons Learned From Having a Disability

In life there are many of us who are always in a rush, zipping past each other to catch the next train — even if there’s another one coming just a few minutes later. The instant replies on WhatsApp, quick turnarounds at work and that constant push to be faster. And don’t even get me started on people’s attention spans on social media.

ID: Isaac is sitting in a motorised wheelchair, smiling and looking directly at the camera. He’s wearing a black jumper and his wheelchair has a bright yellow smiley face sticker on it… I feel we can appreciate some positivity! He’s outside in front of a brightly coloured graffiti wall, giving street art vibes. In other words get yourself to Waterloo in London and check out the graffiti tunnel. Photo taken by Laura Dale!

I was born with a disability where I have no upper limbs, short legs, a weak pelvis and scoliosis. My day-to-day is pretty different from most people’s. When I’m out on my own, I can’t just whip out my phone to check messages to shoot back a quick reply. I physically can’t get to my phone without help, so it sits in my bag until I get back home.

Driving my wheelchair fast to catch a train? Not really an option. Here in London, if I want to use the underground or any national rail, I need help because I either need someone to help me with the lift because I’m not able to press buttons to get out of a station or I need a staff member to be there with a ramp since not all stations are step-free.

Even using the bathroom at home where I need someone to help me on and off the toilet, sometimes assistance has to come from upstairs or they have to stop what they’re doing. Most people can just jump out of bed or up from their desk to go, but I have to wait. I can’t…