Thread by @8Homeslice8

I don't want to be insensitive to people who are struggling, but am I the only one who isn't finding the pandemic-related restrictions that difficult, because they are less restrictive than my normal life anyway? I keep seeing people complaining that they are really struggling 1/

with the restrictions and they just want it to end, really upset because they have gone a full day without seeing someone. Of course it's terrible that people are struggling so, but I have kept wondering "why don't I feel that way?". I'm pretty sure it's because my life was 2/

Actually harder before the pandemic in many ways, because at least now there is remote learning and remote access to healthcare, and people are understanding if you are unwell or can't leave the house, and even offer to help. My life is still more restrictive than the 3/

government restrictions, so lifting government restrictions actually would make my life harder because people would start expecting me to go places in person again, and there would be less understanding and community support again. I'm not saying this to be "poor me" or to 4/

suggest some kind of competition about whose life is the hardest or who is coping best, etc. This is a devastating situation for may people and I am privileged to not have such a complicated life (no job to lose, no kids to arrange childcare for, not a keyworker, etc.). 5/

But it just struck me as interesting that as a disabled person, dealing with a global pandemic is actually a bit if a breeze for me compared to the restrictions and challenges I usually face. I think this says something about how much disabled people deal with on a daily basis 6/

in normal times. Disabled people live with multiple restrictions, challenges, logistical complications, etc. even when there is no pandemic. And while the pandemic has made certain things harder for us, it has also made certain things easier like remote access & community support

I hope that once the pandemic is over, people will remember how challenging it was to live with so many restrictions and logistical complexities, and with the constant knowledge that a misstep could cost their health dearly, and remember that disabled people live like this always

I hope people will consider this afterwards and try to be more understanding of their disabled friends, family members, neighbours, employees, students, etc. Perhaps advocate more for the needs of disabled people & recognise that we aren't "snowflakes", we are bloody strong!