Cazoshay Marie 3/6/25 Cazoshay Marie 3/6/25

The 2025 Brain Injury Association of America’s National Brain Injury Conference and Awareness Day

Post coming soon, for now enjoy the pictures!

DAY 1

DAY 3

©2025 Cazoshay Marie. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

D.I.D. with Cazoshay and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on this blog is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program.

The opinions expressed on this site are that of my own and not reflective of, nor supported by, any of the organizations that I am affiliated with

Cazoshay Marie 3/3/25 Cazoshay Marie 3/3/25

"In Our Own Words" Virtual Poetry Event featuring Brain Injury Survivors & Caregivers Video

I am so excited to share the inaugural “In Our Own Words” virtual poetry event held last month featuring the voices of brain injury survivors and caregivers, hosted by Resilient Roots. You can watch the video here, and make sure to join us in April for the next “In Our Own Words” event on Zoom!

Info for Next Event

SEE WHAT’S NEW ON INSTAGRAM

Repost from @collectedcazoshay
•
New art in progress!

I’m working on a new series of masks painted on secondhand mirrors, and I’m loving how they’re coming together. There’s something about giving old mirrors new life th

“Today, like every other day, we wake up empty
and frightened.

Don’t open the door to the study
and begin reading. Take down a musical instrument.

Let the beauty we love be what we do.

There are a hundred ways to kneel and kiss the gr

Have you ever tried kelp noodles? I was not a fan at first (the texture), but read that soaking them in water with some baking soda softens them. It makes them similar to cellophane noodles but with less carbs and calories+good minerals and fiber!

T

Repost from @bia_usa
•
More than half a million service members have been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) since 2000.

On Sunday, March 23, CBS’ 60 Minutes program spotlighted TBIs sustained by military service members as a r

The opinions expressed on this site are that of my own and not reflective of, nor supported by, any of the organizations that I am affiliated with.

Cazoshay Marie 3/1/25 Cazoshay Marie 3/1/25

Headed to Washington, D.C.!

Hair is done (by the AMAZING @trumane_hair_studio, seriously, you should have seen how crunchy it looked when I went in there 😆) so now I’m ready to head to D.C. with @bia_usa to advocate for the brain injury community by speaking with our legislators about some important initiatives we need their support on.

I’ve made my (packing) list, checked it twice, traveling while disabled is more naughty than nice! 😂 But regardless, Cazzy Claus is comin’, to toooowwwwn! Okay, obviously Christmas is my favorite holiday and bad jokes are my jam, but I’m taking this opportunity very seriously. It’s not often that you to get to be amongst this many individuals in the brain injury community, particularly while being able to speak directly to your representatives about the issues that affect us most.

I’m thinking about making a video sharing some of my trips for how I prepared for this trip in terms of packing-which is such a difficult thing to do when traveling (“What do I wear for this event?”, “What if we go out to eat afterwards?”, “What happens if it starts raining?”….“My silk press!!!”) but it’s even more difficult when you’re dealing with a brain injury or other disabilty. The cognitive load, not to mention the physical practicalities of packing and travel can be more than a challenge, so I think it would be helpful to share some of the things that make it more accessible for me.

You can head to biausa.org for more info about how you can support, even if you don’t have a brain injury yourself!💪🏽🧠

See you soon, D.C.!🎉

SEE WHAT’S NEW ON INSTAGRAM

The opinions expressed on this site are that of my own and not reflective of, nor supported by, any of the organizations that I am affiliated with.

Cazoshay Marie 2/1/25 Cazoshay Marie 2/1/25

Foods I've Eaten Lately As a Chic, Disabled (Plantbased) Girlie

Living with a traumatic brain injury & chronic conditions means that I need to be mindful of the foods I’m eating & my nutrition. We all need to do that really! But especially with my conditions, I have to give my body good food in order to be able to function & not worsen my symptoms.

Although not a full-fledged vegan, I am actually a certified raw vegan chef (I got certified at the same time I became a yoga instructor!), & am mostly plant-based as you’ll see from the dishes I made. But obviously I’m not giving up caviar.🖤

The opinions expressed on this site are that of my own and not reflective of, nor supported by, any of the organizations that I am affiliated with.

Cazoshay Marie 1/24/25 Cazoshay Marie 1/24/25

The Double Invisibility of Being Black and Disabled

Standing in the aisle of the grocery store, I feel the presence of someone approaching me, coming dangerously close to where I’m standing. Inches away. Close enough that I can feel the warmth of their body heat. I then see a hand reach over in front of me to grab an item off the shelf. After which, the hand’s owner proceeds to walk away, the entire act occurring as if I weren’t even there.

Granted, I had been standing in that spot for a while, my head feeling like it was literally spinning as I tried to both get my bearings and remember why I was standing in that aisle in the first place as the symptoms of my traumatic brain injury began to worsen.

Now normally, I am not the one nor the two. A simple “excuse me” would have let me know that the person needed to get where I was standing, and I usually have no problem letting people know that in the moment. As a person of color living with disabilities for the last seven years as a result of being struck by a car traveling 48mph while crossing the street in downtown Phoenix, I sometimes wonder in times like that why people seem to be incapable of seeing me? Both literally and philosophically. It also makes me wonder why people don’t take the time to consider that I may have been standing there for so long for a reason other than to try to annoy the general public by taking up space for an unnecessarily long duration of time, when obviously I know that grabbing a can of beans off of a shelf is a life-or-death situation that requires immediate action, to the exclusion of basic human consideration.

Living with the effects of a traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, nerve damage and vestibular issues, (all so-called “invisible disabilities” because the effects of these conditions are not always visually perceptible), already often makes me feel as if the struggles and realities of my existence are not seen or considered. Although my disabilities are “invisible”, this occurs even when my status as a disabled person is made known. Add the fact that I’m a black woman, who, statistically speaking, is a part of a demographic that often gets ignored or discredited by the medical field, sometimes I feel doubly invisible. Doubly ignored.

According to a 2021 Pew Research Study, about a third of African Americans surveyed said that their pain has not been taken seriously (35%), or that their provider has rushed them (32%). (https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/12/21/5-facts-about-black-americans-and-health-care/)

“Black Americans are systematically undertreated for pain relative to white Americans...findings suggest that individuals with at least some medical training hold and may use false beliefs about biological differences between blacks and whites to inform medical judgments, which may contribute to racial disparities in pain assessment and treatment.” (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4843483/) If medical providers hold false beliefs about blacks, they clearly are not seeing us accurately. Our pain, experiences and symptoms become “invisible” to providers, which can cause a myriad of issues medically, psychologically and emotionally for disabled African Americans.

According to a Pew Research report, “(55%) [of African Americans surveyed said]...they’ve had at least one of six negative experiences, including having to speak up to get the proper care and being treated with less respect than other patients.” (https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2022/04/07/black-americans-views-about-health-disparities-experiences-with-health-care/) Even as it pertains to one of my primary disability, a traumatic brain injury, the assessment, and therefore the visibility, of African Americans in this demographic is not accurate according to the research. “Some studies state that following a traumatic brain injury, members of minority groups have a more difficult time than whites in finding work and returning to social activities. Other studies disagree. Some researchers suggest that evaluation tools used by clinicians are to blame for the differences in scores. They suspect that the evaluation tools may be unintentionally biased against members of minority groups because they are written for and measure traits of the White culture.” (https://www.biausa.org/professionals/research/tbi-model-systems/outcomes-for-african-americans-and-whites-similarities-and-differences)

Even when presented with statistical data corroborating the assertion that African Americans still face discrimination in many different areas, including healthcare, I’ve found that numerous non-POC friends and colleagues remain in willful and determined disbelief. They make the conscious decision to negate my experiences and the experiences of other people of color. This begs the question, what more will it take for us to be believed? For us to be “seen”?

I can’t help but draw the parallel between the experience of living as a person of color and that of living as a disabled person. Not only does one affect the other, but they both present their own unique challenges in having the community at large see us in the totality of who we are within those demographics. In America, there is the cultural belief that anyone who experiences any kind of loss, tragedy or traumatic physical or emotional event should just “pull themselves up by their bootstraps” and move on in a way that seems productive to the general population. As a disabled person, that’s just not always possible. Especially in a society that, for the most part, has been built exclusively for non-disabled individuals. Thanks to The Americans with Disabilities Act and many vocal advocates, that is slowly beginning to change. However, much of the progress that has been made is now under threat under the current administration. Our symptoms and “limitations” as disabled persons affect every aspect of our daily lives, frequently in ways that other people don’t see. Sometimes, “pulling myself up by my bootstraps” means being in bed for two days straight when an intense migraine and chronic pain make functioning impossible.

I’m not asking for sympathy. I’m not asking for pity. I don’t think most African Americans or disabled persons are. But what I am asking for from non-POCs and non-disabled individuals is to have the empathy to consider experiences other than their own. To truly “see” us, you have to take the time to get to know us. You have to take the time to educate yourself with the resources that are readily available in order to learn about what life is like for us. And please, for the love of God, remember to say “excuse me”.

Resources

https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2022/04/07/black-americans-views-about-health-disparities-experiences-with-health-care/
https://www.biausa.org/professionals/research/tbi-model-systems/outcomes-for-african-americans-and-whites-similarities-and-differences
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/12/21/5-facts-about-black-americans-and-health-care/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4843483/

The opinions expressed on this site are that of my own and not reflective of, nor supported by, any of the organizations that I am affiliated with.

Cazoshay Marie 1/24/25 Cazoshay Marie 1/24/25

Two New Features!

Hey friends! I’m super excited. to share with you that I have two new features that are now live!

The first is with “BOLD Journey.” I share about my story, finding my purpose, and qualities that I think are important for all people to develop, regardless of disability status.

The second is with an organization I am proud to have worked with in the past, Concussion Awareness Now. In that feature, you can read about how I sustained my brain injury and how it catalyzed me to become the advocate that I am today.

You can click the buttons below the photos to read the features. I’d love to hear your thoughts, and please feel free to share with anyone you think may benefit from hearing my story!

XOXO,

Cazoshay

Read It Here

Read It Here

Cazoshay Marie 1/17/25 Cazoshay Marie 1/17/25

Jazz-The Soundtrack to My Disability Life

It was a calm and temperate Phoenix night. Clear skies. Mid-May, so it wasn’t unbearably hot yet. I was walking back to my car after leaving an event at the Phoenix Science Center, cosplaying as Poison Ivy as it was a “science of superheroes”-themed event. I pushed the button to cross the street. I had the right of way. As I entered the second half of the road from the pedestrian crosswalk, suddenly, BOOM! CRASH! I was struck by a car traveling 48mph. I was thrown 15’ up and 100’ forward from where the driver hit me. I sustained multiple injuries, some of which have resulted in long-term disabilities and conditions to include a traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, nerve damage and vestibular and vision issues, just to name a few. The driver never got out of his car and left me alone, broken and bleeding on the street until a Good Samaritan who witnessed the incident came to help me.

Jazz has become the soundtrack of my disabilities. There’s a song or artist for every mood, every experience, every setback and every triumph that I’ve been forced to contend with in the almost eight years since the traumatic accident occurred. I’ve always loved the motto, “life is a movie, starring you,” and if I were to choose the genre that best encapsulates and expresses my experiences since becoming disabled, it would be jazz.

Jazz is a difficult genre to clearly define because it encompasses a wide range of music spanning time, culture and region. According to Wikipedia, “Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its roots in blues, ragtime, European harmony and African rhythmic rituals.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz)

Artists such as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and John Coltrane are familiar favorites of the musical style. Although often a male-dominated genre, the contributions of female jazz artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughn should not be overlooked; their influence on modern-day artists such as Diana Krall and Melody Gardot is apparent.

Jazz is a style of music that is rooted in improvisation. Performers may change melodies, harmonies or compositions depending on mood, audience participation and the general vibe in the room. Notes and melodies may change at a moment's notice, you never know what to expect and may never get the same live musical experience twice.

As a disabled person, I am no stranger to improvisation. The contemplative mood of Blue Mitchell’s song, “It Could Happen to You”, aptly named, melodically expresses the way that I constantly have to think of ways to adjust. The symptoms of my disabilities affect every aspect of my daily life, from self care to parenting and everything in between. Prior to the accident, I was an independent wellness instructor and single mom with a vibrant social life. Becoming disabled changed all of that, and I had to learn how to improvise to accommodate the effects of my disabilities. I constantly have to think on my feet and play it by ear just to make it through the day, a direct parallel to the way that jazz music encompasses improvisation.

I would be lying if I said that the question, “why me?” did not come to mind at times, especially in the early days of recovering from the accident. Every time I went to the doctor, it was more bad news: another diagnosis, another medical professional informing me of the negative long-term effects that I would be experiencing as a result of my disabilities and conditions. Interaction and collaboration are two key elements of jazz music.

Artists have an almost supernatural connection to both the music, and each other that creates beautiful pieces of instrumental art. Songs such as, “Have a Talk with God” by Henrik Gunde, Nicolas Kock and Karsten Bagge are excellent examples of several artists coming together to create something greater than what could be accomplished alone. Throughout my journey with disability, I have had to learn to lean on others for help. As a highly independent person, this was extremely difficult for me. But like the collaborations and interactions found in jazz music, once I learned to collaborate and interact with others for my well-being (primarily my immediate family), it created this beautiful mosaic of my current existence that’s greater than what I would have been able to accomplish on my own.

Because I finally learned to collaborate with others for assistance, I have been able to become a speaker and advocate, championing the issues that affect disabled persons, particularly those in the brain injury community. I collaborate with other survivor-advocates as a member of The Brain Injury Association of America’s Advisory Council. This would not have been possible unless I had taken a lesson from jazz music and learned to interact and collaborate, to lean on even, the people who are close to me in order to help me not only survive, but thrive despite my conditions.

And on that note (pun intended), It’s not all bad. Becoming disabled has shown me that I possess a strength and resilience that I didn’t know I had. The smooth, persistent melodies of “The Feeling of Jazz” by Duke Ellington and John Coltrane remind me of the fact that no matter what I’m facing-having to advocate for myself with doctors, dealing with the ableist misconceptions of others, debilitating pain, an uncertain future, I just keep on trucking. But unlike “The Little Engine That Could”, repeating “I think I can, I think I can,” my mantra has become, “I know I can, I know I can.” This song’s lilting cadence conjures up visions of me continuing to walk forward on this unchosen and unexpected path that I am now on with my disabilities and conditions.

At the 1976 Grammy Awards, Mel Torme asks “The Queen of Jazz”, Ella Fitzgerald, how she would explain what jazz music is to people. She replies that she thinks they can show them, and they go into a captivating scat performance, going back and forth, improvising notes and melodies, showcasing a beautiful explanation for something that is frequently considered to be undefinable. (view that performance here: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x23t25p) That’s how I feel when I’m trying to explain what my life is like now that I’m disabled. There’s complications, back and forth momentum, highs and lows, joy, hidden pain even; but it all comes together beautifully to create the soundtrack of my life.

This journey began with a BOOM and a CRASH, like what we experience in the latter portion of Miles Davis’ “Nefertiti” after a mesmerizing, trance-like and consistent repetition of the melody in the first half of the song. The seeming dissonance that ensues is actually more of a controlled free-fall, which is exactly what my life as a disabled person has felt like. At times I may be “In A Sentimental Mood” (Thank you, Mr. Duke Ellington), but honestly, I wouldn’t trade this iconic symphony of a life with disabilities for the world. It’s been in this improvised, “take it as it comes and create something magical” experience that I’ve discovered a more marvelous version of myself. A version that’s allowing me to create something bigger than myself. If that’s not jazzy, then I don’t know what is.

Cazoshay Marie 1/9/25 Cazoshay Marie 1/9/25

Join Me at The Brain Injury Association of America's National Brain Injury Conference and Awareness Day!

From the Brain Injury Association of America:

“The National Brain Injury Conference and Awareness Day is less than two months away, and we’re excited to see familiar faces as well as newcomers to the event, like Cazoshay Marie.

Cazoshay is joining us this year because she recognizes how important it is for legislators to hear directly from brain injury survivors about the issues that matter to the brain injury community.

In addition to our annual trip to Capitol Hill, where attendees will have the opportunity to meet with their congressional representatives and advocate for brain injury causes, this year’s event will include a conference for brain injury survivors and caregivers, featuring educational breakouts, social events, and more. You can view the full conference agenda here.

Whether you’re an Awareness Day veteran, or a first-time attendee like Cazoshay, we can’t wait to see you on March 3-5 in Washington, D.C.”

View the Video

Cazoshay Marie 12/27/24 Cazoshay Marie 12/27/24

5 Obsessions of the Week: 12/22/24

‘Tis the season! This post is going live retroactively. I’m actually writing it on the 27th. I’m behind on sharing my “5 Obsessions of the Week,” but as I mentioned at the onset, given my symptoms and limitations, one may not get posted every single week.

But the holidays are upon us! Christmastime is truly the most wonderful time of the year! And although this year, I didn’t feel as much in the holiday spirit as I usually do (a sentiment shared by many people that I’ve encountered recently), it’s still a time that I feel joy and hope and festiveness.

Here are my five obsessions for the Christmas week!

1. The Advent

According to Wikipedia, “Advent is a season observed in most Christian denominations as a time of waiting and preparation for both the celebration of Jesus's birth at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming. It begins on the fourth Sunday Before Christmas, often referred to as Advent Sunday.”

Interestingly enough, “the season of Advent in the Christian calendar anticipates the ‘coming of Christ’ from three different perspectives: the physical nativity in Bethlehem, the reception of Christ in the heart of the believer, and the eschatological Second Coming.” The themes of Advent are: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. I can’t think of a better way to usher in Christmas than by keeping these ideals in our hearts and minds. A few years ago, I did a post about the tradition of The Advent Wreath.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CazoshayMarie🍸🐆: ✨#TBItastic Festive Queen✨ (@cazoshay_marie)

2. Holiday Movies

This is a given. I have been watching “Elf” and Jim' Carey’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on repeat since the beginning of December. I have my list of favorite holiday films that I return to every year, and they always put me in the holiday spirit. You can see my post about how the traits of the fabulous Ms. Martha May Whovier are also exhibited by brain injury survivors above.

3. Holiday Outfits

The layers, the fabrics, the sparkles…Living in Arizona, I don’t get to wear the chic, cold-weather clothes that I’d like to wear, but that doesn’t stop me from saving numerous festive holiday outfit pins on Pinterest. This is truly my favorite time of year for fashion. Check out my post, “Disability, But Make it Fashion”, where I share how to make this season’s trends accessible if you are living with disabilities.

4. Caviar

This is my obsession every week. I wasn’t a fan of having it on chicken McNuggets (too salty), but I did love it with creme fraiche on green apple slices-what a treat! There are few foods that can’t be made better with the addition of caviar. My next pairing? Caviar and vanilla ice cream-I’ll keep you posted on Instagram!

From https://recordfoundry.com/product/ella-fitzgerald-ella-wishes-you-a-swinging-christmas-ltd-red-vinyl

5. Christmas Music

As always, jazz reigns supreme for me during the holidays (and all the days) but I love a good classic Christmas Spotify station with artists like Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald-you know the (Christmas) drill. Nothing puts me into the holiday spirit like Christmas music. In fact, whenever I’m feeling depressed throughout the year, I’ll put on holiday music and it really helps to lift my mood. Guaranteed. Maybe try it sometime and let me know how it goes for you.

I hope you enjoyed this weeks obsessions, what are your obsessions this week?

©2024 Cazoshay Marie. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cazoshay Marie with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Cazoshay Marie 12/23/24 Cazoshay Marie 12/23/24

Martha May Whovier & Brain Injury

Name a more iconic Christmas queen. I’ll wait…

Bet you didn’t know that there are so many similarities between brain injury survivors & the fabulous Ms. Martha May Whovier.

View the gallery to see Martha in all her festive fabulosity, and see how her resilience, empathy and other qualities can also be found throughout the experiences of being an individual living with a traumatic brain injury.

Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays!

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

Cazoshay Marie 12/2/24 Cazoshay Marie 12/2/24

Disability, But Make It Fashion

The holidays are upon us, so now is the perfect time to share about four of the top trends of the season, from the perspective of a fabulous fashion-loving brain injury baddie living with disabilities (moi!)

Having disabilities doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy fashion. In fact, it’s a way to express yourself to the world when you are often stereotyped, or assumptions are made about you as a disabled individual. Making fashion accessible may not be as difficult as you think, so here are four top trends of the season and how to make them more accessible if you have a brain injury.

Note: I read somewhere that we have enough clothing in existence right now to clothe the next seven generations of people. If you don’t already have something from these trends, I encourage you to try to find pieces secondhand. Good for the environment, your bank account, and who doesn’t love the thrill of the hunt???

Faux Fur

As someone born and raised in Alaska, faux or vintage furs make an appearance every winter-even if now that I live in Arizona. This time of year I can wear them in the morning but by the afternoon I am being roasted alive. Faux or vintage furs elevate casual outfits like sweats, which are often more comfortable when you’re living with a disability.

Burgundy

Red became a go-to shade for Fall, and now that the holidays are upon us, burgundy is making a big statement, especially with monochromatic outfits. Wearing a solid color from head to toe not only looks super chic, it also makes dressing easy when you have a brain injury-no need to try to match pieces, they’re all the same color!

Leopard Print

leopard print jumped off in the Fall and is still going strong. I’ve always considered it a neutral and therefore appropriate for any time of year, but that’s just me. You can just do a single piece or an accessory (like a handbag) if patterns aggravate your sensory sensitivities.

Statement Pieces

Try easy-to-put-on jewelry like a string(s) of pearls (faux is fine!) or clip on statement earrings that don’t require a lot of dexterity or hand-eye coordination, which can aggravate your brain injury symptoms.

Big Bags

I have to be careful with this one as I have chronic pain so if the bag is too heavy, it’s painful for me to lug it around. But having the ability to have everything you need with you at all times as a disabled person: medication, ear plugs, sunglasses, snacks, etc. and you just happen to be on trend for the season? That’s a win-win!

Are you looking forward to the chic, glitz, glam of holiday fashion? Which trend do you want to try this year?

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

Cazoshay Marie 11/21/24 Cazoshay Marie 11/21/24

Navigating the Holidays as A Parent Living with Brain Injury Webinar

Managing children's expectations, preparing meals, dealing with symptom flare-ups & sensory overload...there can be a lot to try to handle during the holidays as a parent living with brain injury. Resilient Roots creator & moderator Cazoshay Marie discusses these topics and more, as well as provides some suggestions for how to make your holidays more manageable & full of joy!

There will be no December meeting of Resilient Roots (enjoy the holidays!) Our next meeting is January 16th with guest speaker Taryn Barlow of The Well Brain!

Coming February 2025, Resilient Roots Support Group for Parents Living with Brain Injury is hosting a virtual poetry event featuring the works of brain injury survivors from all walks of life. “In Our Own Words” brings the voices of survi

Resilient Roots Support Group for Parents Living with Brain Injury would like to thank all the caregivers this Caregiver Appreciation Month!

Many parents living with brain injury are also caregivers. You are seen, loved & appreciated! I hope you

Looks can be deceiving. Life after brain injury will never be the same as it was before, but that doesn’t mean it’s all bad. There are challenges & setbacks, but there are also positive things like finding out how resilient you are &a

Resilient Roots (virtual) Support Group for Parents Living with Brain Injury would like to thank our veterans for their service to our country! You are appreciated & Resilient Roots is here to support you! 🇺🇸

Next mtg. Nov. 21

#veterans #vete

Last night the virtual community movie night for Resilient Roots Support Group for Parents Living with Brain Injury was awesome! We watched the short documentary, “Jelly Brain”, & had an amazing discussion afterwards.

It was really

I’m a day late. But in addition to 10/14 being my (@cazoshay_marie)’s birthday, it was Indigenous Peoples Day! There is still a lot of work that needs to be done as far as culturally competent care for indigenous peoples experiencing brai

Get your popcorn ready! 🍿 For the October 17th meeting of @resilientrootspwbi, we’re having a movie night, followed by a discussion. This month (and this month only) I’m making this a community movie night, so anyone parent or not, brain

Cazoshay Marie 11/18/24 Cazoshay Marie 11/18/24

5 Things Accessibility Should Always Be

As a person living with disability, accessibility is always at the forefront of my mind. Not just considering my own disabilities, but also the disabilities of other individuals as well. I can’t help but look at the world through new eyes since being struck by a car traveling 48mph while crossing the street in downtown Phoenix in 2017. I look at sidewalks and entrances, signs and noise levels. I take it all in and quite honestly, it makes me sad that many people are excluded from being able to fully participate in the world. I’m one of those people and I am not alone. In the United States alone, 1 in 4 persons is living with at least one disability (I’ve got a few-good times!😂)

I’ve created a list of five things that accessibility should always be, and I hope that we (globally) move in this direction.

ACCESSIBILITY SHOULD BE…

A Consideration at the Onset

During my speaking engagement at the National Space Society’s International Space Development Conference, I spoke about making space settlements accessible for all citizens. Space settlements are an opportunity for us to create environments that are accessible for everyone at the onset, during their creation, which is much easier than trying to retrofit and work backwards to make things work for all individuals. The same should apply to Earth. Just like other marginalized voices, disabled persons should be a part of the conversations at the beginning, rather than making us have to raise a stink about it after the fact. 😜 I did an additional talk about Disabilities as Superpowers. Disabled persons are creative, our disabilities can offer unique strengths, and even advantages. Why not use that as a resource at the onset in planning and implantation across all sectors?

Inclusive of All Peoples

Deaf, blind, black, jewish, indigenous, asian, queer, religious, wheelchair-bound, brain injury, psychological, neurodivergent, limb difference…it may seem impossible to try to accommodate everyone & their various experiences as disabled persons…but that doesn’t mean we can’t try! In the words of Dr. Seuss, “a person’s a person, no matter how small.” No one should bet left out. An important thing to keep in mind is that when you create accessibility for one group, it often benefits several others, even those without disabilities! For instance, with brain injury, we experience visual disturbances, balance issues, sensory sensitivities, and more. Visual disturbance accommodations for brain injury survivors also help those who have low vision. Accommodations for our balance issues can benefit those who use wheelchairs or have limb differences. Accessibility considerations for our sensory sensitivities can benefit those who are neurodivergent. (As a brain injury survivor, I love a good “Quiet Room”!)

*Note: I don’t really care for the word “accommodations” because if we had been considered in the first place, we wouldn’t have to be “accommodated” after the fact. 🤷🏽‍♀️ “Accommodations” can imply that it’s special treatment when what we’re asking for is actually just equal treatment.

Accepted by All

In order for accessibility to really work, everyone has to be on board with it. That is why if you are someone who is not living with a disability, it’s important to avail yourself of the numerous resources that are available in order to help you better understand the disability experience and how to be an effective ally. We can’t do it alone, so we need our non-disabled brothers and sisters to get on board with making sure everyone is considered.

Not Made the Responsibility of Disabled Persons

Disabled persons should not have to bear the weight of fighting for an accessible world by themselves. We are tired, y’all. Even those of us who are advocates get frustrated at the lack of empathy and having to try to convince everyone that we deserve to be considered and to have the same rights and to be able to enjoy life the same way that people without disabilities do. We need your help.

Not Taken Personally

Rights are not pie. Giving rights and considerations to somebody else doesn’t mean less for you. There’s enough accessibility pie to go around for everyone, trust me. Disabled persons asking for things to be made accessible is not a personal attack against you, and should never be taken as such. (That’s not an excuse for people to be rude to you though, disabled or not.) You may not always get it right. Even as a disabled person myself, I certainly don’t, but if you do get corrected, don’t take it personally. My mom recently helped me reframe this situation as being a positive because in being corrected, you gave someone the opportunity to find and use their voice, and especially for disabled persons who are often marginalized, that is so important. So don’t take the fight for accessibility personally, pull up your sleeves and come alongside us, babe. We need you.

Join us for the next virtual meeting of Resilient Roots Support Group for Parents Living with Brain Injury!

Learn More

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

Cazoshay Marie 10/16/24 Cazoshay Marie 10/16/24

Hope After Head Injury Podcast Interview

I was recently interviewed by Cristabelle Braden for the Hope After Head Injury podcast. We talked about finding what roots you after sustaining a TBI and how to go through the non-linear journey of healing with self-compassion, as well as some tools I’ve found to be very valuable throughout the process. You can watch or listen via the link below.

Watch or Listen Here

Don’t miss the next meeting of Resilient Roots Support Group for Parents Living with Brain Injury on October 17th at 5:30pm MST. We are having a virtual community movie night watching the short film, “Jelly Brain” followed by a guided discussion. All are welcome to this month’s meeting, even if you don’t have children or a brain injury. Hope to see you there!

See what’s new on the Resilient Roots Instagram:

Cazoshay Marie 9/29/24 Cazoshay Marie 9/29/24

5 Obsessions of the Week: 9/29/24

1. This Swimsuit

I don’t care if everyone was looking at me at the pool at the Luxor this past weekend when I spoke at the ACEP Conference at Mandalay Bay, this fabulously elegant swimsuit is a purchase I will not soon regret. I would probably size up just because I’m conservative and I’d like it to cover a little more at both the top and the bottom (for reference, I have a short but curvy body type). I don’t swim, so having a suit that’s nice to be seen in is a must-this one more than covers that base.

2. Love Letters of Great Men

Continuing my Sex and the City inspo, this is a book inspired by the second movie. Carrie is reading it in bed with Big, with special reference to the “ever thine, ever mine, ever ours,” line. The book didn’t actually exist, so Ursula Doyle put together a collection of beautiful letters from men such as Beethoven, Napoleon, Nathaniel Hawthorne and William Congreve. They range from the sweet to the covertly spicy; some to wives, some to mistresses, but all will make even the most frigid heart begin to believe that love and romance does indeed exist in the world.

3. NYT Games

Anyone who knows me knows that I am obsessed with the New York Times. If I can’t live in New York, I can at least make it my entire personality-just kidding…sort of. Every morning I’ve made it my routine to play World, Strands and Connections first thing rather than going straight to social media. It’s a great exercise for my TBI Brain, and a great way to start the day with a fun challenge.

4. Sardines

I’m going to say it. Tinned fish is highly underrated. I can’t eat sardines without thinking of the movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, that I watched many, many times with my now college-age son when it first came out. But I was reminded of the benefits of sardines from a TikTok by someone with an apparently beautiful Italian grandmother who swore by having a tin of sardines every day for their beauty benefits. They’re delicious on their own, on crackers, and/or with a little hot sauce.

5. Red Fashion

“Lady in reeeeeeeed”. Red is a classic color that will never go out of style. It’s a trend this season to have a pop of red in your outfit (your bag, shoes, etc.) but I say why not go all out? Red lips and nails are my signature, & that’s another way to incorporate the color of the season in a more accessible way if you don’t want to go the full-on Chris de Burgh route.

What are you obsessed with this week?

See what’s new on Instagram:

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

Cazoshay Marie 9/23/24 Cazoshay Marie 9/23/24

5 Obsessions of the Week 9/22/24

It’s no secret that I have difficulty keeping up with posting on the Blog at times. There are obviously large gaps of time in between posts. The reality is that I am a disabled person, living with several disabilities & conditions to include a traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, vestibular issues, nerve damage, and more. I of course have other responsibilities in life (single mom, virtual support group leader, advisory council member, speaker, advocate…), & as a “spoonie,” there’s just not always enough spoons to get everything done that I want to.

I saw in the Arts & Leisure section of this Sunday’s New York Times (thank you to my mom and dad for the subscription!) that Zachary Small, a culture reporter, listed his five current obsessions in “The Queue”. A lightbulb went off for me because I thought, “hey, that’s probably doable for me!” It was a short list of highlights, things he was currently interested, or obsessed with. So here’s mine for this week as a chic & elegant disability advocate/speaker/writer/artist/content creator.

1. Dirty Martinis

I think this was probably the first “grown-up drink” that I started drinking once I graduated from “Sex on the Beaches” and “Long Island Iced Teas”-if you don’t count Cosmopolitans-more on that later. At 39, it’s probably my favorite cocktail. Always with gin, never vodka, extra olives & extra dirty. I feel sophisticated drinking this even though I often feel like I’m still cosplaying as an adult.

2. Sex and the City

I had a lot of reservations about watching this show. I had caught an episode here or there in the past & besides the fashion, I just wasn’t really feeling it. I couldn’t get past the fact that these four beautiful, intelligent, successful women were so obsessed with getting men! I still feel this way but recognize it was a show for it’s time, & I can suspend my annoyance at the ridiculousness of the Big & Carrie storyline, as well as the fact that Carrie so far is actually really not the most likable character given her traits & actions. There’s also the painfully obvious lack of diversity, although I wonder if based on who and where they were, that was probably somewhat realistic. I do like the two movies & SATC is for sure the reason why I tried a “Cosmopolitan” for the first time (spoiler alert: I liked them!) One thing’s for sure, watching the series is driving home how much I hate the fact that my disabilities prevent me from spending time with my friends as much as I’d like to. I’d love to have a group of lady-friends like on SATC to hang out with, go out with, & most importantly to have that awesome bond of friendship where you can talk about what’s going on in your life.

3. Ice Bath Facials

I recently tried the ice bath facial, where you dunk your face in a bowl of ice water for the skin benefits. According to Healthline.com these benefits include: eliminating puffiness (especially around the eyes), reducing oiliness, easing acne, soothing sunburn, reducing swelling & inflammation (including rashes and insect bites), reducing signs of aging (such as wrinkles), and boosting the skin's healthy glow. I hate being cold but have noticed the benefits-especially the swelling reduction & glowiness immediately afterwards, & who doesn’t need that in the morning??? I boost the benefits of mine by adding some of a strong tea that I made from a mixture of green tea & jasmine flower to the water.

4. Houseplants

Aloe, monsterra & lemons…oh, my! I was raised gardening & it’s an elegant & enjoyable hobby that I enjoy to this day. It’s taken some adjustment given my conditions to make it accessible, but I believe those adjustments also make them easier for people who are busy or believe they don’t have “great thumbs” to be able to grow plants. Right now all of my plants are grown inside in containers, & I have a mixture of ornamentals & edibles. The most recent addition is a pineapple plant from Trader Joe’s. Plants add oxygen, beauty & a life-giving aesthetic to my environment. I can’t imagine ever having a home with no plants.

5. Classic Bossa Nova

Normally I have jazz playing from Spotify 24/7, but lately I’ve mixed it up with the “Classic Bossa Nova” playlist. I love the bouncy, emotive, mostly Portuguese in language, fun, flowy tunes. It is reminiscent of times past where people got dressed nicely even if they weren’t going anywhere, and where visions of the Riviera dance in your head like a Joao Gilberto guitar riff. It’s also great music for a cocktail or dinner party.

I hope you enjoyed my list of five obsessions for the week! God-willing, I’ll post them every week…maybe every other week, or as often as I’m able to given my symptoms-we’ll see. What are you into this week?

XOXO,

Cazoshay💋

See the latest on Instagram:

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

Cazoshay Marie 9/13/24 Cazoshay Marie 9/13/24

Concussion Awareness Now Kickoff Webinar

Over 900 people registered to attend the kickoff webinar for this year’s National Concussion Awareness Day. At the webinar I shared speaking tips as well as some different ways you can share about concussion awareness. View the webinar via the button below.

View Here

You can be a Concussion Champion, too! Find out more here.

See the latest on Instagram:

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

Cazoshay Marie 9/8/24 Cazoshay Marie 9/8/24

ANNOUNCEMENTS: UPCOMING EVENTS & FEATURES

Greetings Darlings!

I have several events coming up within the next few weeks, as well as some features!

I was interviewed for a segment on PBS NewsHour that aired on 9/7. It’s about why Americans may be hesitant to start or grow their families. You can view it here.

On 9/9 I will be on the Hope Survives podcast with Cristabelle Braden, I’ll share the information on where you can listen and watch as soon as it becomes available.

September 15th I will be presenting at a private event for Gilead Ministries Christian Education Center. It will be an interactive & educational session to help raise awareness about concussions.

September 19th at 5:30pm MST is the next meeting for Resilient Roots Virtual Support Group for Parents Living with Brain Injury. We have the amazing Stacia Bissell as our guest speaker this month. Here is the link with more information and how to join the meeting.

More Info

On September 30th, I have the pleasure of speaking at the American College of Emergency Physicians’ Annual Conference (ACEP) at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada. I’ll be sharing my journey with brain injury with the Brain Injury Association of America.

As you can see I have many exciting events & features coming up in the near future. Please keep me in your thoughts & prayers as I am attempting to do all of this advocacy while dealing with the symptoms of my disabilities & conditions. I am passionate about raising awareness & championing the issues that are important to the disability community. I know that God will give me the strength to do it!

See the latest on Instagram:

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

Cazoshay Marie 9/3/24 Cazoshay Marie 9/3/24

The Chic Girl’s Autumn Bucket List

As an October Baby, Fall is for sure my favorite season. And if you’ve been here on D.I.D. with Cazoshay for a while or know me personally, then you know that is definitely true. Living in Arizona for nearly eight years has further enforced that Autumn is truly a mindset. You don’t have to have rain, crisp air & colorful leaves to appreciate the season, although they certainly help.🍂

Living with disabilities, it’s been important for me to make joy accessible for myself. I can’t do many of the things I used to enjoy doing, at least not in the same ways, so I’ve figured out how to adapt them to my current abilities. One thing I’ve noticed about this Disability Life is that a lot of the tips I’ve come up with work not only for those who are living with disabilities & chronic conditions, but also those who have busy schedules, are parents, or are otherwise sometimes (or often) looking for quicker & easier ways to do things.

Another important aspect of this Disability Life I’ve learned is that I don’t have to compromise my chic, elegant style! This list is proof of the concept that things can be accessible, without compromising being chic. The following is my Chic Girl’s Autumn Bucket List, the must-do activities for an elegant and enjoyable Fall, in no particular order.

1. Create a Fall Capsule Wardrobe

My go-to color for every season is black, but this is the time of year when many a chic girl-about-town turns to autumnal hues like browns, tans & deep burgundies-so don’t let me stop you! (I do love a good oxblood accessory…) Having a capsule wardrobe means you won’t have to search for clothes & think so hard about what you’re going to wear-which makes getting dressed quicker, easier & more enjoyable!

I suggest curating your Fall wardrobe from items you already have. If you must pick up something new, go the thrifted route. The British Fashion Council have said that we have enough clothing on the planet to dress the next six generations. Chic girlies care, & the environment & our future are no exceptions!

You can find upscale items on Vestaire Collective or my personal favorite, The RealReal. I’m actually thinking of having a Fall Clothing Swap Cocktail Party. Of course I’ll post the details here if I do. I like to do a second “spring cleaning” at the start of Fall so I can go into the winter months lighter & not bogged down by a bunch of extra belongings I’m not using anyway. A fun little cocktail party where ladies can drop in and “shop” is the perfect way to usher in Fall lighter, chicer & more sustainably.

2. Create an Autumn Playlist

One of my favorite mottos is, “life is a movie, starring you!” Every good movie has an equally good soundtrack. Spotify has some nice ones, whatever your vibe happens to be. I listen to jazz all year ‘round, but if any genre represents the season of Autumn specifically, it’s jazz. Bonus points if your soundtrack is at least partially curated on vinyl.

A few playlists to get you started:

*Cue Nat King' Cole’s “‘Tis Autumn” as your “going to get coffee” montage begins to play…

The Orpheum Theater, downtown Phoenix, AZ

3. Tour an Historic Building or Home

I’m not one for haunted houses, so touring an historic building or home is the chicer (& less scary) option. You can learn a little local history & view some lovely architecture at the same time. Here in Arizona, the elegant & picturesque Wrigley Mansion gives tours & also has a jazz series. I haven’t been yet, but it’s on my Autumn Bucket List.

4. Visit an Art Gallery or Museum

The cooler weather is an opportune time to spend the day in an art gallery or museum soaking up the creativity. The chic girl is also the cultured girl, so autumn is the perfect time to put on a nice outfit & head to one of your area’s art venues. This activity is great because it can be done alone, with a friend or even as a date. Afterwards you can get yourself a little treat at your favorite coffee shop to round out the day.

5. Create an Autumn Reading List

Autumn is the perfect time to get cozy & immerse yourself in a good book (or two!) I recommend going with philosophy, the classics or self-improvement. History & memoirs aren’t bad options for the season, either. Really you can’t go wrong with whatever you choose. Here are a few recommendations:

To Hell with the Hustle by Jefferson Bethke
When Broadway Was Black by Caseen Gaines
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Blue Butterfly by Eugene Ward
Breakfast at Tiffany’s & Three Stories by Truman Capote
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
Macbeth by William Shakespeare

*Accessibility Tip: Any book can become an audiobook when you use your iPhone’s Spoken Content feature. It works on iPads also. As someone living with a TBI, this has been a game changer! Many audiobooks are also available free on YouTube.

6. Go on a Walk

This is certainly one thing I miss about living in Alaska & Portland. The walks here in Arizona hit different, & that’s putting it lightly. I’m still not used to autumn trees being replaced by cactuses & it averaging over 100 degrees at the start of September. Whatever the weather is like where you live, you can romantacize your autumn walk no matter the environs. First, the outfit, of course. A chic autumn outfit from your sustainable capsule wardrobe makes the occasion, so start there. Whether you’re in the city or you have access to those beautiful changing colors in a more nature-filled environment, taking in the scenery is a great way to enjoy Fall, appreciate your surroundings & get active at your own level of fitness & accessibility.

7. Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Fall Festival

Most cities & towns have Fall Festivals, if not some version of a pumpkin patch also. You may have to venture a little bit outside of your immediate area, but it’s worth it to be fully immersed in the joy & excitement of the season. Fall festivals can look like a lot of things, but delicious seasonal drinks & food are almost always a given, yet another reason to don your chicest pair of boots or loafers & join the celebration.

8. Have a Fall Picnic

Fall is the perfect time for a picnic! It’s not unbearably hot, there’s not as many bugs & the snow hasn’t arrived yet to make picnicking impossible. Not a chef? No problem. Stores have plenty of ready-made items that are perfect for picnics (hello, Trader Joe’s!) A simple charcuterie board, some hot spiced cider & a nice dessert are all you really need, but of course you can make it as elaborate as you’d like.

9. Tour a Winery

Many cities & towns have local winemakers, & many of those makers give tours! This is a chic autumn activity you can do solo, with friends or as a date-whatever your current mood desires! A quick Google search will tell you what options are available where you live. And if there’s nothing close by? Another chic option of course is to take a little mini-vacay to your closest winery, naturally. Or you could sign up to attend a wine tasting at a nice restaurant in your city.

10. Watch Fall Movies

There are few things in life more enjoyable than a good Fall movie marathon. That may be an overstatement, but this is definitely one of my favorite Autumn activities. Grab your favorite snacks, a nice wine (or non-alcoholic beverage of choice), get comfy & check out one of these flick picks:

When Harry Met Sally (duh)
Fantastic Mr. Fox
You’ve Got Mail (duh)
Sleepy Hollow
Julie & Julia
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Scream (the first one)

Bonus: It’s not a movie but rather a tv show. Only Murders in the Building! It’s so good & is chock-full of chic New York style. Plus if you binge it, it’s basically like a movie, right? (Stream on Hulu)

11. Day of Pampering

Just because you’re likely under more layers doesn’t mean you should start slacking on self care. Because Self Care=Self Love. It’s a way of showing that you care about yourself, & are not just caring for others & attending to all the numerous things on your to-do list. You can schedule a service at a day spa or do it in the comfort of your own home. A few ideas? Face masks, manicures & everything showers are always great options.

12. Try a New Recipe

Autumn is the perfect time to try some new recipes, especially with seasonal ingredients (do I see a trip to the Farmer’s Market in your future???) Autumn meals are meant to be comforting while allowing you to enjoy spending time at home, sometimes while entertaining too. A simple roast chicken, a butternut squash soup…the possibilities for delicious new recipes is endless. Try Pinterest, TikTok, or visit a used bookstore & pick up a new cookbook to experiment with. Who doesn’t love a good bookstore in Autumn?

Did I leave anything off the bucket list? I hope you’ve enjoyed this post! For more inspo, view 10 Dinner Party Conversation Starters & my easy 5-Minute Shower Meditation.

I’d love to connect with you! Find me on social media here:

TikTok

Instagram

Facebook

Gallery Block

This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more

Cazoshay Marie 4/29/24 Cazoshay Marie 4/29/24

The Importance of Social Media for the Disability Community

There are so many different aspects of the disability experience that able-bodied normies probably have no idea about. There were many things that no one prepared me for when I became disabled after being struck by a car traveling 48mph while crossing the street in downtown Phoenix. The extreme isolation was certainly one of them.

No one told me that the symptoms & limitations of my disabilities would cause me to miss out on so many things. I’m living with a traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, nerve damage & a host of other symptoms that make even completing simple daily tasks difficult. My teenaged son has stepped up in so many ways to help me do things that are now challenging or impossible for me to complete. All the symptoms that are associated with my disabilities & conditions make it very hard to get out of the house & interact with friends, or even to have them over to my home for visits.

Where I was once very socially active, always at a brunch, exhibit opening or networking event as a highly motivated wellness professional, artist, single mom & outgoing introvert, all that came crashing to a halt as the car crashed into me, my body breaking the driver’s windshield as I was catapulted through the air 100 feet from where I was struck, landing on the cold, hard pavement. As the car crashed into my body, it also crashed into my active social life, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. If you’re curious, the driver never got out of the car to help me, but that’s a story for another day.

Two hours of reconstructive surgery from one of the top plastic surgeons in Arizona helped me not show too many visible signs of my disabilities & conditions

It’s been a long, hard journey to say the least. One that necessitated me entering counseling to help me not only deal with my severe PTSD, depression & anxiety that came about as a result of the accident, but also to help me reconcile the “old me” with this “new normal”, if indeed you could call it that. While I had friends that came to visit me in the initial time period after the accident, between the vestibular issues, the chronic pain, doctor & therapy appointments every day, all I could really do was watch woefully from my couch-bed where my family had me set up in order to care for me, as I saw my friends attending concerts, getting engaged, going on trips & doing all the things I used to do & be involved in that were now impossible.

My counselor suggested that I begin sharing about my experiences online. That was the last thing that I wanted to do. Before the accident I was active on social media, but all that stopped after the accident. The whole experience felt like one big nightmare that I couldn’t wake up from. In fact, I was having nightmares every night, reliving the horrors of the accident over & over again. So the last thing I wanted to do was lay myself bare for the interwebs to see when I already felt so vulnerable.

Watch on TikTok

But with the encouragement of my family, I began sharing what I was going through here on my blog & social media outlets. Many of my friends were surprised & had no idea how hard things had become for me because my disabilities are considered “invisible disabilities”, meaning you can’t necessarily tell that I’m disabled by looking at me. Many didn’t (& still don’t) know the extent of my struggles because I don’t present as someone who is struggling. But I am. In so many ways.

As I began sharing my experiences online, it became a way for me to stay connected to people that I knew, but also to meet new people. Both disabled & able-bodied. I don’t have a huge following by any means, but social media became a way for me to have interactions with others when I’m not able to go out & have those interactions IRL because of my disabilities.

I experience extreme migraines, dizziness, sensory sensitivities, cognitive issues & more due to my traumatic brain injury. Noises, lights, stimulation, all things you encounter in the world at large are things that hinder me from social activity. Accessibility is a huge issue for those living with disabilities & while the goal is of course to be able to go out into the wilds & have real interactions, sometimes, for various reasons, if you’re disabled that’s just not possible.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CazoshayMarie:✨#TBItastic Festive Queen✨🥂 (@cazoshay_marie)

Having a community & interactions online can help solve the issue of isolation for individuals living with disabilities. We can chat, text, share pictures & updates & maybe even find others who are living a similar experience to ours. This is why I’m starting the Resilient Roots Support Group for parents living with brain injuries. We’re meeting monthly online on Zoom so that any parent, anywhere can participate & not be limited by location, access or ability.

So if you’re disabled, it may be hard to go online & see your friends doing all the things you wish you could be a part of, but try to reframe the encounter to recognize that you are still participating in your own way by interacting with the posts online. And don’t be afraid to share your own exploits as a person living with disability. Who knows who you will educate & inspire? It might not be IRL experiences, but I believe even online social interactions are better than no interactions at all, & through social media, you have the ability as a disabled person to curate your own community on your own terms whereas much of our lives feel like they are being lived on anything but our own terms.

So send that tweet, make that TikTok video & post that picture on Facebook, your community is waiting for you.