I'm officially disabled, but I'm truly enabled because of my lack of limbs. My unique challenges have opened up unique opportunities to reach so many in need.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
It feels amazing to be a role model for people with and without disabilities.
My message is not just to disabled people, but to everyone: You have to work hard.
When you hear the word 'disabled,' people immediately think about people who can't walk or talk or do everything that people take for granted. Now, I take nothing for granted. But I find the real disability is people who can't find joy in life and are bitter.
The greatest feeling of accomplishment for me is the fact that I was an athlete who was somewhat disabled.
Obviously, because of my disability, I need assistance. But I have always tried to overcome the limitations of my condition and lead as full a life as possible. I have traveled the world, from the Antarctic to zero gravity.
In my own home, where I've been able to create an environment that works for me, I'm hardly disabled at all. I still have an impairment, and there are obviously some very restrictive things about that, but the impact of disability is less.
There are so many opportunities in life, that the loss of two or three capabilities is not necessarily debilitating. A handicap can give you the opportunity to focus more on art, writing, or music.
You know that the world is a better place when people can come up to a severely disabled person and say: 'Well done. You are an inspiration.'
I don't see myself as disabled. There's nothing I can't do that able-bodied athletes can do.
I don't think of myself as being disabled, or able-bodied.