Does It Get Any Better? - Stephanie Nguvan Akpentomun
Stephanie Nguvan Akpentomun
I woke up one beautiful morning. Like every other day, I got ready and left for work. For some reasons unknown to me, I had quite an uneasy day that particular day. My anxiety kicked in really bad. In less than 24 hours, I ended up in the hospital with really high blood pressure and fever. In less than a week, my legs had totally lost sensation.
After four months of moving from different medical facilities and getting the wrong diagnosis, I finally met a neurologist who understood the problem. Unfortunately, it was a little too late to save my legs. Two years down, I’m stuck for life with a chronic disease that has no cure. A disease that wakes up and decides if it’s time for me to lose a new part of my body.
I lost a decent job and now, getting one with little or no academic qualifications Is extremely difficult. Can you imagine having just a secondary school certificate and a physical disability in Nigeria?
Stephanie Nguvan Akpentomun
I recently decided to try advocacy, particularly, climate justice and disability advocacy. I haven’t had much luck there either. However, I am looking to gather all the experiences I need when it comes to advocacy.
Life with a physical disability has not been easy. The comments. The stares. The myths. Some days, I ask myself how I went from my bubbly self to being pushed around in a wheelchair.
Today is one of those days I wake up exhausted and ask myself: Does it ever get better?
Let us all advocate for equal rights and opportunities, challenge ableism and discrimination, and promote inclusivity and accessibility in all aspects of society. This can be done through raising awareness, education, and policy advocacy to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal access to healthcare, education, employment, transportation, and social participation.
Additionally, supporting and uplifting the voices and experiences of individuals with disabilities will help create a more inclusive and supportive society for everyone.
Stephanie is a climate justice and disability advocate. She is a person with physical disability (wheelchair user). Advocating for women and young girls in any way she can, gives Stephanie joy. She is quite passionate, a feminist. She hopes you find your why and hold on tight to it. Connect with Stephanie via email, Instagram and Twitter.
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