Numotion / A Different Life, The Same Person: Josh’s Story

A Different Life, The Same Person:

Josh’s Story

One thing I wish more people understood about living with a disability is that a disability does not change who you are at your core.

After a catastrophic injury or diagnosis, life may look very different, but you are still you. You still have the same heart. You still have the same personality, the same dreams, the same humor, and the same desire to love, contribute, and live a meaningful life.

I think sometimes people without disabilities may see paralysis or another major disability and assume the person’s life has been defined only by loss. They may wonder how someone could still live a full life after such a dramatic change. But the truth is, while life can absolutely become more complex, it can still be beautiful, purposeful, and full.

The disability community is incredibly diverse, and every person’s journey is different. Our needs, challenges, supports, and experiences are not all the same. But one thing many of us share is this: we are still here. We are still living. We are still growing. We are still finding joy, connection, adventure, purpose, and love.

Yes, disability can change how we do things. It can require more creativity, more support, more teamwork, and more resilience. But it does not erase our value. It does not erase our identity. And it does not take away all that we still have to offer the world.
Josh

At the end of the day, I would want someone living without disability to know this: disability may change parts of a person’s life, but it does not take away who they are.

Read More Stories

Rows of airport seats, including a designated accessible seat with a wheelchair symbol, highlight accessibility, with the text Joy Is Still Part of the Story overlaid in bold white letters.

April 1, 2026

Joy Is Still Part of the Story: Michele’s Story

One thing I wish more people understood about living with a disability is how much joy, love, and connection exist within the disability community. Too often, conversations about disability focus only on barriers and challenges, and the joy can get lost. Discussions about disability frequently center on what has been lost or what may be difficult. Those realities are part of the experience, but they are not the whole story. There is also a great deal of happiness, gratitude, and connection that grows within the disability community.

A close-up of an accessible door button with a wheelchair symbol and the words TO OPEN on a brick wall, overlaid with the text What It Takes to Get There, highlighting accessibility power in everyday life.

April 1, 2026

What It Takes to Get There: Paul’s Story

One thing I wish more people understood about living with a disability is how complicated travel can be. Even something as simple as going somewhere overnight can require a lot of preparation. For many people, packing for a trip might mean tossing a few things into a backpack or small suitcase and heading out the door. Sometimes, I miss those days. Now, when I travel—even just for a night—it often means bringing multiple bags. There are supplies, medical equipment, batteries, a sleep machine, clothes, and even items I need to keep up with daily exercise or routines. Each piece serves a purpose, and leaving something behind usually isn’t an option.

Blue disabled parking spot with a white wheelchair symbol and the text “Access Shouldn’t Be Uncertain” highlights accessibility, inspired by Vance's Story, in bold white letters across the image.

April 1, 2026

Access Shouldn’t Be Uncertain: Tae’s Story

One thing I wish more people understood about living with a disability is that planning ahead does not mean we are being demanding. It simply means we are trying to make sure the basic things needed to participate are actually available. When I travel or go somewhere new, there is often a great deal of preparation involved. That preparation might include reserving an accessible vehicle, confirming entrances and pathways, or asking questions in advance to make sure a space can truly accommodate me. Most people never see that preparation. They only see the moment when someone asks for an accommodation and may assume the person has an attitude or is being difficult.