Who I am

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Note: This post was originally written by Kate Devlin, a friend who contributed posts about her life with multiple disabilities to an earlier version of this site. Due to site transitions over the years, Kate’s posts now appear under my name. The content below is Kate’s original writing.

Who I am

Undefined by my multiple disabilities.

I grew up learning disabled and getting classified education. I also had a visual impairment. In my teens, I developed depression, anxiety, and scoliosis.

I was bullied for all mentioned, and much more. But I am a college graduate, and I did live on my own, for seven years.

I created a Facebook group called “Multiple Disabilities Peer to Peer Support Group”, a few months ago. That is how I met Lanie, the owner of this blog.

I created that Facebook group because with the additional disability of chronic pain that become a huge issue around 14 or so years ago, I felt alone.

It is hard to find a place you belong to, when you have complex circumstances. For example, I need to get out, with my bipolar (my depression and anxiety was redefined as bipolar in 2016). But I can’t work or volunteer the way I want, because of chronic pain issues. With having the visual impairment, I was stigmatized because of my white cane, and denied jobs (they didn’t cite that, but it was obvious). Without it, I would stumble and look drunk, which also caused issues for me, when on job interviews.

I even had to stop volunteering at a nursing home, because my medical issues prevented me from attending much.

I tried an adult medical daycare, but after a few months I need to feel like the 36 year old I am. I finally joined a day program that is focused on therapy for the mentally ill. I am typing this blog at there, now. I am so happy I found this place. It’s okay with them that I need time to go to doctor appointments, need to miss days, and need a comfortable chair, frequently. There’s even an art program here!

I can’t live alone, either. But after seven years of looking, I finally moved into an apartment I share with my landlady and a few others. I have an amazing home health aide I have many hours with.

If you are in the U.S., like me, getting on SSI or SSD is very difficult and takes up to 3 1/2 years. But it’s worth it! I live in poverty, but I am able to get what I need, after nearly at least a decade of research. It is possible in the U.S., to get what you need, with multiple disabilities, if you require the level of assistance I do. You just need to talk to EVERYONE that knows a thing or two, get connected with groups (both online and in person) that help, Google like crazy, get a social worker any way you possibly can, and have patience and hope. I very much look forward to talking to all of you!

For SEO optimization, here are suggestions for the focus keyphrase, meta description, and excerpt: Focus Keyphrase: “living with multiple disabilities” Meta Description: “Explore Kate Devlin’s journey of living with multiple disabilities. Learn about her challenges, achievements, and advice for navigating life with complex health conditions in the U.S.” Excerpt: “Kate Devlin shares her personal story of living with multiple disabilities, from childhood to adulthood. Despite facing numerous challenges, she offers insights on finding community, accessing resources, and maintaining hope while navigating life with complex health conditions in the United States.” These elements capture the main themes of Kate’s post while optimizing for search engines and potential readers.