How Being an Amputee Has Redefined 'Ability' for Me

When I think about ability, I find myself navigating a blend of complex thoughts and feelings. Growing up, ability often revolved around physical capacities. I learned that being "able-bodied" meant being free from disabilities. My experience as an amputee has profoundly shifted this understanding of ability.

While my life has changed, I often question what it means to be disabled. Am I less capable because of my amputation? Or have I, in fact, become more capable than I ever imagined?

Redefining Ability: A Personal Perspective

Before my amputation, I didn't see myself as particularly strong—physically or emotionally. Life presented challenges, but my perception was limited by a narrow understanding of ability cultivated by society. I was also dealing with permanent and degenerative nerve damage in both feet. It was hard to even take a step.

My journey as an amputee became a crucial turning point. Legally labeled as disabled by the State and Feds, I soon found strength I didn't know I possessed. A study from the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation shows that over 90% of amputees report improved quality of life after transitioning to prosthetics, and I found myself in that statistic. fast!

similar to what I see in my head as I run on the treadmill.

Rehabilitation played a pivotal role. Now stronger than I was for years, I embrace a resilience that once felt unreachable. From adapting to a prosthetic limb to handling everyday tasks, I have learned to redefine my limits and often exceed them. For instance, I am now actively training for a 5K event— an achievement I once thought impossible.

Navigating the Complexities of Identity

Living at the crossroads of ability compels me to confront society's definitions of disability. It's all too easy to become bogged down by the strict labels imposed by government and social systems.

The core of my conflict lies in this question: if I feel more capable than before, why do I still carry the label of a disabled person? My experience contradicts the narrow definitions of ability. While my physical capabilities have changed, my identity as an amputee remains firm.

Does being labeled as disabled undermine the strength I have developed? How do you define ability?

Exploring the Many Layers of Ability

As an amputee, I realize my body has undergone significant changes. Some physical activities may be out of reach, but others have become thrillingly achievable. I may walk with a slight limp, yet I sprint with determination. I may not meet every physical expectation of an able-bodied person, but I consistently push my own boundaries in ways I never thought possible. I will hike and then run a rim to rim in the Grand Canyon!

This journey has pushed me to dissect the layers of my identity. I am not just an amputee; I am a version of myself that continuously adapts and discovers new meanings of ability. Finding joy in small accomplishments is vital, whether it is climbing stairs or carrying groceries, or getting up and going to the bathroom. Each task, regardless of its difficulty, can lead to fresh opportunities.

This is where I want to run.

The Ripple Effect of Perception

Visuals of ability are often shaped by societal norms. The language surrounding disability can fuel misconceptions and stigma. The confusing terms sometimes leave me frustrated and unclear about my reality.

I am categorized as 'abled' when I can perform, yet 'disabled' if I cannot. This binary view creates barriers that can devalue the achievements of people in the disabled community.

Despite this, I choose to highlight my strengths. The encouragement I receive from fellow amputees and individuals with disabilities is monumental. Sharing experiences fosters a community rooted in understanding, strength, and resilience. Support group at Next Steps Prosthetics is my fuel and new family.

Moving Forward with New Understanding

Shifting my viewpoint on ability transforms how I live each day. Instead of being confined by societal labels, I embrace my identity as an amputee with enhanced capabilities. This journey is ongoing, with each challenge revealing new sources of strength.

I continue to explore what capability means to me as I navigate life. The essence of being 'able' includes mental and emotional resilience, not just physical capacities.

Reclaiming My Narrative

In rewriting my narrative, I seize control of my story in a world that often marginalizes experiences like mine. Becoming an amputee taught me that I can reshape how I view ability.

While I may encounter limitations, they do not define who I am. Being an amputee means adjusting my approach to life, and in that adjustment, I find strength.

As I continue my healing journey, I encourage you to reconsider what it means to be disabled. Together, we can challenge the assumptions that constrain us and uplift the diverse stories within our community.

While the term ‘disability’ can be heavy, embracing and celebrating our authentic selves brings remarkable lightness.

Let’s honor our collective victories, redefine ability, and push boundaries beyond societal expectations.

It's an ongoing journey, but through sharing our experiences, we grow stronger together. By reevaluating our understanding of ability, we create a more inclusive world—one where being an amputee does not limit us but rather expands our potential.