Hello, everyone,
Today, I want to talk to you about something that changed my life and could change yours too. I want to talk about “information”. Now, you might think of information as just facts in a book or things you hear in school, but I want to tell you how information can be your biggest and most valuable tool—especially if you’re living with a disability.
When I was young, dealing with my own struggles, I often felt alone, misunderstood, and sometimes even overwhelmed. Facing a disability, or any challenge for that matter, can feel isolating. People around us may try to understand, but they don’t really know what it’s like. They can be supportive, yes, but they don’t experience what we experience. That’s where information comes in.
Imagine this: you’re going on a long journey through a forest. Would you rather go with a map, where you can see the paths, the streams, and even the possible dangers? Or would you rather go in without any guide, just hoping you make it out okay? Information is like that map. When you have it, the journey becomes a little less scary, a little more manageable. Information helps us see the path, avoid some of the pitfalls, and face challenges head-on.
For me, one of the most empowering moments was when I decided to learn more about my own disability. I wanted to understand epilepsy, not just as a medical condition, but as something that was part of me.
I wanted to know why certain things happened, what my triggers were, and, most importantly, what I could do to make my life easier. And the more I learned, the more I realized that this information was giving me back some control. When you know what you’re dealing with, you’re not just a victim to it; you become an active player in your life, not just a passenger.
But let’s not stop there. The benefits of gathering information go beyond understanding the disability itself. Information helps you connect with resources and people who can support you. When I began to ask questions and seek out information, I found out about communities and organizations dedicated to supporting people like me.
I discovered programs designed to make life a little easier, to provide education, training, or even emotional support. I connected with people who knew exactly what I was going through because they had faced it themselves. That connection, that feeling of community, lifted me up in ways I hadn’t expected.
We all need people who “get it”—who understand our experiences from the inside. Information can lead you to those people. Just knowing that you’re not alone can be a powerful thing. And that’s the power of information: it can bridge those gaps, bring people together, and make you realize that you don’t have to face things alone.
Another aspect of information is that it helps you understand your own strength. When you learn about the challenges you face and how to handle them, you start to see your own resilience. Every piece of information you gather, every fact you learn, becomes a tool in your toolkit. It’s like building a strong foundation that can hold you steady, even when things get tough. Over time, this self-knowledge builds a strong belief in yourself. And let me tell you, belief in yourself is one of the most valuable things you can have.
Now, I understand that finding information isn’t always easy. Sometimes you might not know where to start, or the information you find might be hard to understand. And that’s okay. Take it one step at a time. Begin by asking questions—ask doctors, teachers, friends, family members, or even others who have faced similar challenges. There are so many people and resources out there who are willing to help, if only you reach out. Every question you ask is another step forward on your journey.
It’s also important to know that learning and understanding your situation isn’t something you have to do all at once. Sometimes, taking in new information can be overwhelming. You don’t need to know everything right now. Go at your own pace. Take it one day at a time. Little by little, you’ll start to see things more clearly. And each small piece of information you gather will add up to a much bigger picture that helps you navigate your journey.
Let me give you an example from my own experience. When I first started learning about epilepsy, it felt like an enormous subject. There were medical terms, different types of seizures, and things I had to avoid. It all felt overwhelming at first.
But by taking things step-by-step, by focusing on learning just one thing at a time, I began to understand what I could do. I started to make small adjustments in my life—things like knowing my triggers or taking the right precautions in certain situations. These little steps, guided by information, added up over time and made a huge difference.
And here’s something I want you to remember: this isn’t just about people with disabilities. The idea that information is power, that learning is strength, applies to everyone. Whatever challenge you’re facing—whether it’s physical, emotional, or something else—information can be your greatest ally.
So, my message to you today is this: don’t underestimate the power of information. It can open doors, it can make the journey easier, and it can give you the strength to keep going. Seek it out, ask questions, and never stop learning. Because information isn’t just knowledge—it’s freedom, it’s confidence, and it’s the key to a better future.
Thank you all so much for listening. And remember, whatever challenges you face, there is information out there that can help you. Go after it, hold on to it, and let it guide you on your journey.
