What happens when life forces you to change the way you've always done things? And how do those changes shape the person you become?
In this special solo episode of Twenty-First Century Disability, host Hollis Peirce returns to his podcasting roots to reflect on four significant experiences that have shaped his understanding of independence, identity, and what it means to find a new normal.
Living with congenital muscular dystrophy, Hollis has experienced numerous changes throughout his life. But adapting to those changes hasn't necessarily meant giving up the things he enjoys. Instead, it's often meant discovering new ways to continue doing them.
From receiving his first power wheelchair at five years old (and an unforgettable encounter with an imaginary Joker!) to learning to eat puréed food, navigating university without an educational assistant, and advocating for greater autonomy while living in a long-term hospital, Hollis shares the challenges, humour, and lessons that have shaped his journey.
Along the way, he explores the difference between accepting assistance and giving up independence, the importance of challenging accessibility barriers, and why finding a new normal doesn't always mean accepting things exactly as they are.
Having recently celebrated the third anniversary of *Twenty-First Century Disability*, Hollis also reflects on what three years of conversations with disabled guests have taught him about identity, accessibility, and the many different meanings of independence.
And an unexpected observation from New York Mets pitching prospect Jonah Tong offers a fitting perspective on how life's experiences can shape who we become.
Because finding a new normal doesn't mean becoming someone else. Sometimes, it simply means discovering new ways to continue being yourself.
In This Episode
- How receiving his first power wheelchair gave Hollis a newfound sense of freedom.
- Why learning to eat puréed food became an important lesson in adaptation and self-advocacy.
- What academic probation at Carleton University taught him about independence, accommodations, and accessibility.
- The challenges of maintaining autonomy while living in a long-term hospital.
- Why accepting changing circumstances doesn't mean giving up the right to challenge barriers.
- Reflections on three years of Twenty-First Century Disability and the importance of learning from other people's experiences.
- How a quote from Jonah Tong inspired Hollis to reflect on the person he has become.
Join the Conversation
What does finding a new normal mean to you? Have you experienced a change that made you reconsider what independence looks like in your own life?
I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Thank you for being part of the Twenty-First Century Disability community and for helping make the past three years possible.
Until next time, keep breaking barriers! ♿🎙️
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