Amputee Disclosure

Let's say you meet someone new on a day when you happen to be wearing pants. Your prosthesis isn't visible, and there is no outward sign that would indicate you are an amputee. Do you casually mention it in conversation? Do you say nothing? Are you having a mini meltdown in your brain, hoping this isn't going to be a jump scare moment where your prosthesis falls off in front of them before you have the chance to explain you wear a fake leg? At what point, if at any, do you feel it's necessary to provide an "amputee disclosure"? 

As someone living with a disability, I often feel like my leg, or lack thereof is the elephant in the room. I prefer to just put it all out there and share my story so we can move past it. Sometimes it makes for awkward conversation depending on the response you get from whoever is sitting across the table from you. Although it does not define me, being an amputee is still a huge part of my life, and getting to know me means having at least a basic understanding of my limb loss. I’d like to think I’ve taught people a thing or two over the last three years including but not limited to, how a microprocessor prosthesis works, and the fact that people with disabilities deserve your love, respect, and far more accessibility than currently exists in this country. 

Your journey may not be mine. You may feel an amputee disclosure is not needed in the early stages of making a new friend or getting to know a new co-worker and you absolutely have the right to hold back that very personal part of you. No one else should have the power to make that choice for you. Just know that you have nothing to be ashamed of. There is nothing embarrassing about your condition and the possibility that someone may have a shitty response to your disability is not a reflection of your worth. If anything, it’s a reflection of how much growth that person still has room for.

Don’t ever stop being your authentic self because it might be “too much” for someone else to handle. Own your truth and your sense of self. It’s one of the few things we can control as amputees because blisters will come and go with no consideration for our best laid plans.