Today is “International Day of Persons with Disabilities” and I am proud to say that I am the founder of Permastunned Gaming, the worlds largest esports organization for disabled people. It is an organization created by disabled people (I was born with a muscle illness), for disabled people. However, I wouldn't have been able to accomplish this feat if Belgium, my friends and loved ones didn't have my back. Sure, there is always room for improvement, but the simple fact that I receive enough money (government benefits) to cover my cost of living, gave me the freedom to pursue my ambitions at my own pace. I honestly believe that I am privileged even compared to most non-disabled people. I know some people work hard and still go to bed hungry. I often wonder what humanity could accomplish if we didn't have to work ourselves to the bone to survive.
Part of my line of work, puts me in contact with disabled people around the whole world. I am aware of their problem and struggles. Disabled people, for example, are often stuck in a poverty trap, and that became one of my main focuses when fighting for the rights of disabled people in esports. We can't have disabled people lose their benefits simply because they won money at a tournament. I also struggle with this phenomenon and it is the reason why I do advocacy work for free. However, when you know that about 7/8th of all disabled people became disabled after they were born…either through accident, illness or other reason, it becomes clear that disability advocates are fighting for everyone, not just disabled people. Everyone can fall victim to poverty traps. Hence, Disability rights are human rights. Hence, disabled people are fighting for workers.
There is still so much to talk about, but I don't want this post to become too long. Instead I'll just say that, humanity shapes society and if we want lower cost of living, to free up time to pursue our own dreams, then it is up to us. And, if this is something you want, then I strongly suggest amplifying the voices of disabled people.
PS. Feel free to ask me anything 🙂