I’ve been living with a learning disability for over 30 years, now. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, it’s a part of me.

However, that doesn’t mean it’s been a bed of roses.

It’s truly stunning how quickly an estimation is made of someone who learns differently than the average person. There are these ridiculous assumptions on how we as human beings are to be and if we don’t meet them, we are discarded like yesterday’s trash.

Forgive me. I don’t mean to come across as bitter. I’m really not.

Now I used to be. Wow was I ever!

As time goes by, I have come to realize all of that negativity is a complete waste. What can I do to get my naysayers to accept me? Sadly, nothing.

Others and I like me are people whom society has decided is not worthy to be here. We should just simply go away, but guess what, as Jennifer Holiday sings “I/We Ain’t Goin” anywhere, NOPE – we are here to stay and as Wendy Williams says…

We have every right to dream and live out the purposes of our life, just as anyone else.

However, despite my “freedom for all” notions, I’ve encountered quite a few people through the years who decided they were going to personally make my life a living hell, all because I had the audacity to believe that I could participate in this thing called LIFE.

I never truly understood the depth of the hatred society has for people like me. But without a doubt, it’s there. If they were willing to listen, I would have told them my truth:

Yes, I have a learning disability. I can pick up information fairly quickly but being able to maintain it is a different story. Sometimes I can recall without any trouble but there are times when I do have difficulties. There is just no way in knowing. If you are willing to be patient, the information will come back to me.

My fine motor skills are affected. I can’t tie my shoes as fast as the average person can. To save time, I wear shoes with Velcro or slip-ons. I can type over 60+ words a minute, I only use the first two or three fingers with the rest laying on the keyboard. There are other ways but overall, I make it work.

I am quite independent. I have a job where I can best use the skills God has given me. I pay my bills and my taxes ANDDDD…I maintain my home all without government assistance.

People will be people, society is what it is…. but just because that’s so, doesn’t mean that this chic will GO! I’m here to stay..

Do you have a topic that you’d like me to discuss, anything you’d like to know more about me?, Leave me a comment below!

Amy is a resident of Florida.  Since 2006, she has been self-employed in the dog care field.  In May 2017, she self-published a memoir titled “I Am Not Stupid” which is available through Amazon.  She writes for seethegoodinfo, an inspirational website and the Learning Disabilities Association’s newsletter LD Source.