Leah Leilani

Do you know what Imposter Syndrome is and if so, do you think you may have it?
Imposter Syndrome is when you feel like a failure even when there is obvious evidence of success.
I have always struggled with perfectionism and being overly ambitious beyond my capabilities. I can never seem to see the excellency of my work and talents unless…[Read more]

Do you live a small house or apartment? What have you done to accommodate your mobility aids?
I live in a house that was built in 1927 so it’s a relatively smaller house. We’ve had to put expandable door hinges on several doors in our home to allow more room for my wheelchair. Some entryways are still narrow and I still end up scratching eit…[Read more]

“I sometimes feel as though my disability is a filter, revealing the true colors of those I meet and weeding out the ones who aren’t really there for me. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve developed gratitude for my disease’s ability to ward off unwanted guests. Unfortunately, people aren’t always easy to read, and I have to make the difficult decision of…[Read more]

Although working freelance has its ups and down, Hawkin has found that is the best fit for his life with Duchenne MD.
“COVID-19 has forced an experiment. I’ve learned the best way I work, and I’ve molded my career to fit the realities of living with Duchenne. I see how freelancing can help overcome my disability, but I’ve also seen how it can…[Read more]

I tend to be a bit of a fidgety, restless person and because of this I pick at my cuticles. It can get pretty bad to the point where my fingers are bleeding and bandaged up. But since purchasing a couple fidget toys, my cuticles aren’t as bad.
It is said that fidget toys keep the bored section of your brain busy, ultimately helping you to f…[Read more]

What is the most difficult part of dating online for you? Is it revealing your disability and being ghosted afterwards? Is it being asked if you can have sex or not?
I am still trying to navigate the dating world the best that I can. I find that it takes a massive amount of confidence and thick skin to participate in dating apps. I am constantly…[Read more]

Have you ever had a panic attack? If so, what symptoms do you experience?
I began having panic attacks at 13 years old. Sometimes they’re really noticeable where I get jittery and my heart rate elevates but other times my panic attacks appear in the form of insomnia, restlessness or aggravation. I notice that most times when I leave my house t…[Read more]

What do you miss most about life before COVID-19?
It’s true what they say, that you never know what you have until it’s gone. It’s hard to get through life without hugging and being physically close to those you love. Hugs are definitely one of the things I miss most. I also miss leaving my house without having a panic attack. Every time I see s…[Read more]

How often do you clean your mobility aid? Do you believe that it’s wear and tear from regular use gives it character?
I personally prefer to have a clean wheelchair and like it when my dad wipes all the dust off. But scratches, crumbs and dirt are just what’s to be expected for something that acts as my legs and feet. After all, those things get…[Read more]

What were your favorite songs and musical artists that you listened to in 2020?
Music has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life including last year. Taylor Swift’s me album Folklore was a definite favorite of mine in 2020. I’m still listening to it on repeat.

Have you been unable to find comfortable underwear and have just given up altogether?
Comfortable underwear can be a struggle to find for able-body types but is even harder for disabled bodies that aren’t included in mainstream clothing brands. I know many people who sit in wheelchairs that don’t wear underwear for this very reason. Finding the…[Read more]

Have you ever fallen off a ramp, step or curb in your wheelchair?
If you’ve been watching Squirmy and Grubs’ vlogmas you would’ve seen that he slipped of the ramp leading to his in-laws house. Thankfully, he didn’t sustain any serious injuries but he says how traumatic it was for him and his family.
I have definitely slipped on ramps before…[Read more]