SAY WHAT???

My voice It is the one thing about me that works well. I am blessed.  Some people with CP have difficulty communicating. Unless I am excited or upset people have no trouble understanding me. That was not the case last week.

I lost my voice due to seasonal allergies with post-nasal drip. I was told it was the post-nasal drip that was irritating my throat causing me to lose my voice.  It certainly was irritating, but not just to my throat.

My voice became a high-pitched squeak that was funny and annoying at the same time. I could still make myself understood. The next day, however, was a completely different story. My voice was gone. When I tried to force myself to talk my chest hurt. Nothing came out but an occasional akin-alien-like noise that frightened people. It was embarrassing/, It was also frustrating. I can't write. I couldn't make myself understood by writing things down.  It was tiring having people repeatedly ask, "What did you say/?" Or say, "I am sorry, but I can't understand you, " Then they would leave the room not caring about what I was trying to tell them.

I often feel powerless here. I feel like no one is listening.  Nothing changes.  There are residents here who need more care than I do. I  I know I am a low priority. I need to use my voice to make the staff aware of what I. need.   I need my voice to make sure  that I am not forgotten

Thankfully, the meds worked. My voice is back to normal.. I will never take it for granted again. I   have a new understanding of the frustration that people who have difficulty communicating experience on a daily basis. It's hard. People don't want to take the time to listen. 

People with disabilities need their voice, both literally and figuratively. We don't want to feel powerless and forgotten.  Having a voice empowers you. Speaking up for what you need ensures that you won't be forgotten.

Speak up. Use your voice!