I Am Back!
- Charli Chitty
- Sep 27
- 2 min read
Honestly, I don't know where to begin. After taking a break to redefine and discover myself, I now clearly see my purpose. I am here to guide my people toward a future of acceptance, opportunity, and success.
I know most of my previous blogs were all about uplifting, raising awareness, and being proud of my disability. But if I'm being honest, sometimes I wish it weren't there. Not because I don't accept it, but because I am sick of having to explain myself, put up with stigma, stereotypes, memories of bullying (in different forms), and being made to feel ashamed by people I thought were my friends.
A recent example: On Monday, I signed up for a Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) to teach other children with disabilities to read. They did tell us about a short walk down a steep hill to get to the centre, but I didn’t actually realise what it would involve until about an hour before the end of school. When I signed up, I assumed the children would come to us.
I felt completely stuck and couldn’t do anything the whole time. My mind kept racing: Should I say something, or just go and deal with it if I collapsed because of the steep hill? I kept thinking about how people might react if I was slower at walking, worrying about being rushed, judged, or told I'm overreacting because “I don't look disabled.” All of it brought up the hate I’ve dealt with in the past.
Eventually, I found one of my main teachers—the one I usually go to about this stuff. Since it was too late to change anything, she told me not to attend this session, to email an apology, and that we’d sort it out for next time. Still, it took me another 15–30 minutes to work up the courage to send an email explaining everything.
This is just one of many examples of how a physical disability creates so many time-consuming, invisible psychological challenges.
I am sick of it. I am sick of having to keep it together when all I want to do is scream. That’s why I’ve continued this website and added other aspects to it—because I want this to be a safe and empowering place for people who are born different or want to learn more about differences.
From now on, I’ll post weekly. I’m determined to bring the future to us—I won’t sit back and wait for change.
Share this link. Join me in the fight for the future.
Hey Charli. I can see how a situation like this would be incredibly taxing for you. Most people wouldn’t have a clue about the anguish and stress experienced by you in trying to find a good outcome! I’m glad you have a good teacher to go to. Well done! I hope you get to join the CCA soon.
Admire your fight, Charlie,. Since I know nothing about how it must feel to deal with physical disability it’s good to read stuff like this. 🙏
There are so many decisions l make during my day that determine my day, and it’s exhausting. I have lived with rheumatoid arthritis since l was 2 years of age and l am now edging 50 years of age. I know no other life, yet there are times l feel so alone with it and so misunderstood. I can completely empathise with how you feel. The power of the word is essential to educating those around you. Keep up the good fight. I felt and heard every word of your blog entry. Shan (Remy’s mum) from years ago in HK. xoxo
Great to see you back sharing your thoughts and perspectives Charli!
Charli - Lydia here. great to see you post again!! I want to know more! what does better future of inclusion looks like… in the senario you talk of - what would you have preferred to happen? More upfront engagement? A call to discuss? A form to fill in w concerns? Better response from the teacher? Help to write the email? So keen to use your insights to ensure I can foster an inclusive atmosphere in my world using your insights as a guide.