Thread by @Tara_Moss

Popular culture does not prepare us for the reality of #disability and illness. Here are 7 facts and personal observations from me (ie: not applicable to everyone): 🧵

1) Illness and disability are common human experiences. ie: Not rare, and not because someone is cursed or bad

2) #ChronicIllness is defined broadly as conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both. Chronic illness is very common and effects an estimated 40% or more of the population. Again, not rare.

3) 'Most' disabilities and chronic illnesses can be improved in terms of symptoms and quality of life, but won’t be ‘cured’. ie: You will most likely have to live with it for a long time. This is true even though you're doing ‘the right things’. See: positive thinking, kale, etc

4) The idea that there's *one perfect thing* that will cure someone is a myth. Most people who experience remission or significant improvements do so through multiple treatment modalities, many of which may not be available in the public health system or covered by insurance.

5) Just because a #HealthCare treatment exists doesn’t mean you'll get access to it. Many possible treatments won’t be available to you even though they exist. To explain this another way, just because that Gucci dress/car/whatever exists doesn’t mean you get to have it.

6) The new treatments you saw on the news are often not available to people yet, and possibly can’t or won’t be made available to many because not everyone is rich. Further to this point, just because an effective or even miraculous technology exists doesn’t mean you will get it

6.5) Related: that robot walking device is not the answer. Make things more #accessible for real people NOW, the way people really exist, and with the technology that exists and that they can use. Care about this issue now, even if it isn’t you yet. You may find yourself there.

7) Many #MobilityAids and #HealthCare treatments are paid out of pocket, in part, or totally. And no, #wheelchairs aren't just handed out. They are freedom machines. And they can cost more than your car.

👉Respect and listen to disabled and #ChronicallyIll folks. Thanks. x

PS It’s vital to agitate for the things that need to improve in #HealthCare, from better funding and access, to better research and public health policies. Health care needs to be for everyone. There are champions in your region. 🙌🏼 Find & support them!