Part 1 Interview With Activist and Blogger Tiara Simmons-Mercius On Ableism, Law School, Pregnancy and Disability

“I breathe. I cry. I smile. I dream…just like you. Just like you I have goals that I work towards everyday. They may be centered around disability rights/justice, health, relationships, or my career. But I have them. And just like you I hit bumps in the road. Sometimes I slam full-force into the biggest obstacles around me.”

— Tiara Simmons-Mercius

“On a daily basis I confront ableism, racism, sexism, well…most of the -isms. The thing is, it’s not just the obstacle around you, but how you tackle it. Do you sit in front of it with your face in your hands because there’s nothing you can do? Or do you observe it and turn it around in your mind as your figure out a way around it? I fall in both categories. Sometimes, some obstacles and stumbling blocks just seem too big to handle but, there’s got to be a way, a solution.

I choose activism.”

— Tiara Simmons-Mercius

“I am here to be me. Not your inspiration.”

— Tiara Simmons-Mercius

Tiara's Patreon

Bar Exam GoFundMe

Website

If you are confused about what “inspiration porn is please visit this page on Tiara’s website www.fourwheelworkout.com

Creator of #disabledwomanism & #WithoutTheADA

Subjects Covered in Part 1

New Motherhood and Wheelchairs

Medical racism

Access and job and education

Disabled Jesus Camp

Social Media and Disability

Parenting a Disabled Child

Disability Twitter

Environmentalism and Disability Straw Bans

Removing Shame from Ignorance (We can all learn more)

Getting Older and Disability

Twitter to Fight or Not to Fight

Representation in the Legal System

Race and Disability

College Experience and Disability

PLEASE Program

General and Special Education in Public Schools

How to Advocate for Yourself and Others

Tattoos and Reclaiming Your Disabled Body

Website/Blog, Twitter, & Instagram Handle

www.fourwheelworkout.com, @4wheelworkout
Name *

Tiara Simmons-Mercius

Disorder Info

What is your disorder? *

I have a disability. Not a disorder. I am a double below-knee amputee. Three fingers on my right hand are partially amputated. I have invisible disabilities as well: Neuropathy and paraplegia

At what age did your disorder become a daily issue? *

1

Who were you before your illness became debilitating? *

I've always been disabled so, I guess the person I am now is who I've always been, or was growing into.

What would you do if you were not dealing with your invisible illness?  *

Much of the same things as I do now: Advocacy, activism. Working or trying to work. My invisible disabilities only affect me slightly more than my visible.

What would you like people to know about your daily life? *

It is not a life to be pitied. Yes, I have barriers, but my disabilities are not the barriers, even though they can be draining. Lack of access is; ableism is.

What would make living and moving in the world easier for you? *

More accessibility. Less pity. More opportunities for involvement.

Do you have any life hacks? *

Not really. I use anything I can find to help me reach items. I use my wheelchair footplates to help me transport items.

What kind of support do you get from family or friends? *

My husband is a huge help. He gives me a lot of support both physical and emotional.

Have you ever had someone not believe you have an invisible illness because of your appearance and if so are there any examples that stand out?  *

Sometimes. But I think what makes it more believable is the fact that I have visible disabilities, so it's not a stretch that I'd have more (to those people)

How has your chronic illness affected your relationships? *

I'm not as social as I used to be. So people do not call me or invite me out as much.

Is there anything you are afraid to tell people in your life? *

I'm generally pretty open. It's not so much WHAT I'd tell them, it's the HOW. I'm also straightforward and tend to just say what needs to be said.

Does the fact that your disease is invisible change how healthcare professionals treat you? *

My HCPs put in my records that I'm a chronic pain patient, but they are just paying me lip service I think.

What is your best coping mechanism? *

Sleep. Sleep and music.

What are you the most concerned about and the most hopeful for in the future? *

Concerned about being a disabled parent. But also, that's what makes me hopeful. My future career as a lawyer also fits into both categories.

Is there anything you *don't* want to talk about? Is there a subject we should avoid during the interview? *

Not sure. I will politely let you know during the interview.

Is there anything you want to make sure we talk about during the interview? Like an organization you want to promote or something specific that you deal with.

I want to be able to speak about medical racism. Being a Black disabled woman navigating healthcare and society.

What is the hardest and/or best lesson your condition has taught you?

Best lesson: I don't have to do everything.

What is the best purchase under $100 that helped your life

Crockpot. Go figure.

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