Your Instagram host for the week of November 7, 2021
Meet Danielle:
I am a Youtuber, model, and artist. I was born with a birth defect called Spina Bifida, causing me to be paralyzed from the waist down and to use a wheelchair. But please hold the sympathy! Living with a disability has taught me that we all have difficulties in life in some form or another; mine is simply more visible than most. Since I was a kid, I have always been active, pushing the boundaries and limitations others saw for me.
Life experience has taught me that creativity can convert nearly any obstacle into a joyful and rewarding experience. Many people are afraid to ask questions, which leads to assumptions and stigmas about disabilities. My YouTube channel, Daniellability, focuses on what life is like with a disability because I am extremely passionate about raising awareness and opening up conversations surrounding disabilities. I would like to see disabilities included in conversations regarding diversity – in Hollywood, in modeling and fashion, and in creating spaces (whether a home or public space) that are accessible for all. When I was growing up, I rarely (if ever) saw anyone who looked like me in movies, on tv, or in magazines. If I did, it was typically in a sad or depressing way. I would like to see that change for the next generation. It’s time that the world see people with disabilities as people who can be fashionable, interesting, vibrant, and important parts of society.
But that is not where my mission stops. I would also like to encourage fellow wheelchair users to be brave, innovative, and live life to the fullest. This includes showing parents of children with disabilities that they can not only survive but THRIVE if given the proper tools. This all starts by being open and communicating. It’s so important for kids to have role models they can look up to, and I hope to be that for other girls (and boys) living with disabilities – whether it is Spina Bifida or something else.
Everyday Akron 