Samantha Renke | Metro columnist

I felt objectified, threatened, and – honestly – worthless.

One of the main reasons for the Disability hierarchy is that people simply don’t understand how big our community is, and the complex nuances contained within it. 

I don’t want a robot cleaner or teleportation machine, I just want my basic access requirements met.

I no longer view it as something I’ve done wrong, and I no longer feel shame.

My wheelchair is my independence, my legs and my freedom. Not a luxury.

I have a constant feeling of shame towards my disability – and it’s been projected on me by the non-disabled world.

Having the opportunity to highlight incidents like these is why National Hate Crime Awareness Week is so important.

I don't want my friends or family to have to come to my aid. I want them to relax, in the same way I want to be able to relax.

It could be a way to empower disabled people to take dating by the horns, as online can be so hard for people like me.

Growing up, I never thought that having a disability could mean you feel proud. 

I looked in the mirror lifting my chin up and down and side to side and I actually cried with happiness, because I didn’t think it was possible.

Fully accessible venues should be standard. Why is the onus on me to plan ahead?

The response to Sinfield’s act of kindness reminded me of ‘inspiration porn’.

I felt scared and all three interactions tarnished how much I enjoy being alone in public.

Sometimes, by trying to fit in, you end up sacrificing your authentic self to make non-disabled people feel comfortable around you.

I began writing my standard, generic ‘due to ill health’ apology letter but this time, instead, I simply stated that I was having a horrendous period. 

I can only hope that my own activism leaves an ounce of the same impact Judy has left on this world.

I’m learning how to honour my uniqueness instead of conforming to how others think I should be.

This is certainly not the first time I’ve noticed ableism in old beloved shows.

Growing up – and even into adulthood – I was never asked if I was dating anyone or if I would like to have children in the future.

Pet ownership isn't easy but that doesn’t mean I cannot make it work.

Constantly sharing my story, being vulnerable and almost pleading to the world that I’m worth investing in has started to take its toll.

I want non-disabled people to join in and learn about our history.

Knowing I need to work to earn money for the essentials has become almost an obsession, to the detriment of my health. 

It would be ignorant to say that everyone who comes under the umbrella term ‘disabled’ experiences the same amount of discrimination and disabling factors.