Hi, there! I go by Sukie or Sukhwa, and I’m 26 years old. Before I continue -- or you continue reading -- I should warn you that I possess the keen skill of getting off track. I’m working on this, but I can’t help it! I enjoy sharing things, but there is just so much to share. When something pops into my head, I say it or type it almost immediately (after careful consideration, of course,) so not to leave anything out... I can’t promise the wisest of words in this blog. But I can say that people think I’m humorous. So perhaps you will get a good laugh or two in? I guess, that’s for you to determine.
All right, back to my story.
For a little over a year, I have been a resident of Georgia. Before taking the leap to live here independently, I lived in the Sunshine State -- Florida! Boy, how much I miss it. Great friends, gorgeous weather, so many memories… As a young adult, I was missing something. Yes, I was making my own decisions (good, bad or indifferent - they were still mine.) I just felt as though I had a little more room to make this life more of my own -- but how?
When I was 16, just finishing up my junior year of high school, my parents, brother and I moved from Connecticut to Florida. Whenever anyone pursues a transition of any kind, it’s advised that they seek the proper supports and start to become familiar with local resources. And that’s just what my parents had done for this big move. Yeah… I was pretty dependent upon my parents, compared to my level of independence today. Shortly after getting settled in the new state, we went out on search for the resources available, and I was introduced to Independent Living (IL.)
It’s not what you think -- or perhaps it’s exactly what you think. But from my experience with sharing about IL, not often is it common knowledge of the audience. IL doesn’t only mean moving out, and getting your own place. Unless, that’s what you want your goal to be! It is more of a philosophy, a culture, a movement -- amongst the disability community. You, as a person, have your own needs and wants -- with or without a disability. With personal goals, you choose how to go for them. Make the decision to do so, seek and utilize the appropriate supports, and run with it! In the end, no matter what the outcome, it feels better to know that you were in control the entire time.
Remember when I mentioned having been dependent on others (e.g. my parents)? Well, the whole IL thing was not the easiest concept for me to grasp, at the time. Thanks to the FL Independent Living Council (FILC) and their strong faith in youth, I caught on and began creating my independent network of supports. It was quite the transition. And I mean that in every positive way possible. It wasn’t and isn’t always easy or fun. But it will always be worth it.
Once I gained self-confidence, I went for the control I wanted over my life. At the age of 19, I moved out of my parents’ home. Trial one was a bust. (I never said I made the best decisions…) Not a total dud; the experience was well-worth living. The scenario just wasn’t the most ideal… Then, I moved in with friends in Orlando, FL where I had to start making more adult-like decisions (e.g. going back to college, setting up my personal care needs, transportation, how to appropriately spend my money, where to party that weekend, and so on.) I was living life like any other college student -- fun, yet broke.
“But, Sukie, how did you end up in GA?” I’m glad you asked.
Being a person with a disability (Arthrogryposis) I try to be active within the disability community because I can’t expect change without playing a role in making it happen. I am a part of the Association of Programs in Rural Independent Living (APRIL) -- which is a network of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and other disability focused organizations that come together to strive for and promote equal access in all areas of life for people with disabilities. It just so happens that the Executive Director of my position with the metro-Atlanta CIL, disABILITY LINK, is also a member of APRIL. She saw potential in me to be a Youth Specialist, and I’m a sucker for people who believe in me. With her and my many other supports, I did it! I decided I wanted to live in Atlanta, independently. I coordinated my personal care supports, acquired an accessible apartment, did the mathematical figures to ensure I wasn’t going to need to return to FL within a few months, learned the public transit system, and took overall responsibility for my own life. And being on my own -- outside of working, -- I have learned so much about myself.
A few things I have done that not many people expect: skydiving, considered being a Paralympic swimmer (tried a session with a real coach once,) been wall climbing, raced on an erg machines, some stand-up comedy, photography, cooking, baking, and surfing. Most of which was adaptive to fit my abilities. But I’m still able to say that I did them.
Now, May 21st, 2015, things became more interesting. That is my official start date, with Parent to Parent of Georgia -- as their Information Project Specialist. Through both of my jobs and my life in general, my ultimate goaI is to be a supportive resource to you on your journey towards discovering yourself and achieving your goals. I can’t promise an easy process. But I will shoot for fun and interesting!
Follow along, as I share photos, resources, videos, and/or more writing related to youth and young adults with disabilities.
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