My Journey to Independence with Cerebral Palsy
Everyone’s version of independence is different. Living with cerebral palsy (CP), I have always wanted the freedom to live a life that felt as normal as possible to me.
My journey toward independence did not happen all at once. It started with going away to college, continued when I moved into my first apartment, and grew even more when I bought my first condo.
Each step came with different responsibilities, decisions, and lessons. Over time, I learned that independence can change depending on where I am in life and what kind of support I need.
What Independence Means to Me
When I went away to college for a semester out of state, it was one of the hardest things I had done at the time. Being away from home pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me to advocate for myself in new ways.
Looking back, I realized that independence is not about never needing help. It is about gaining the confidence to make my own decisions and finding ways to succeed on my own terms.
After living in a college dorm, I was ready for my next step: moving into my first apartment.
Having my own place brought me responsibilities and challenges, but also gave me a greater sense of freedom. It was another milestone that showed me how much I was capable of and continued to shape what it was like being on my own.
Finding a Place to Live That Worked for My Body
When looking for an apartment, I had to consider things that many people may not think about when searching for housing. Of course, safety was a top priority, but it was only one of the factors.
I also had to pay close attention to the distance between the parking lot and my apartment, as well as how accessible the building was overall. Living with chronic pain means that routine tasks can become more challenging on certain days.
Something as simple as carrying groceries from the car to my apartment can be physically exhausting when my pain levels are high or my body is more fatigued than on other days.
Living with these challenges meant that there were periods throughout my adult life when I had to move in with family on and off.
Between knee surgeries, navigating different jobs, and needing support, there were times when independent living was simply more difficult. Having family nearby helped me get through some of the harder seasons of my life.
Buying My First Condo
Eventually, I purchased my first condo in 2024. Buying a home is a major accomplishment, but for me, it represented much more.
It was an opportunity to create a space that met my needs and a milestone that reflected my independence, perseverance, and determination to build a life of my own.
The process leading up to closing was not easy. There were many emotions, disappointments, and moments when I wondered if it was really going to happen. Looking for the right place, waiting for answers, and dealing with setbacks could feel stressful and overwhelming at times.
Even though the process was difficult, it made closing day even more meaningful. Owning my own home has given me a sense of stability and freedom that I had been working toward for many years. There have been times when I never would have thought that I’d own my own home.
Every challenge, setback, and new opportunity pushed me to new goals. Walking through the door of a place that was truly mine was something I never took for granted.
Living Independently Takes Planning and Self-Advocacy
Although living independently with cerebral palsy has been a big accomplishment, it also comes with challenges.
Everyday responsibilities such as laundry, driving, and other errands often take more energy than many people realize. Even something as simple as unloading a dishwasher can be hard on my body.
- Listen to what my body needs
- Pace myself when tasks feel harder
- Prioritize what needs to be done each day
I have also learned the importance of self-advocacy. Whether it was addressing ongoing issues with my apartment complex due to dogs barking all day while I was trying to work or coordinating multiple repairs in my condo, I often had to speak up for myself and make sure my concerns were heard.
These situations were not always easy, but they reminded me that advocating for my needs is part of maintaining my independence.
Accepting Help Does Not Mean Giving Up Independence
One of the most important lessons I have learned is that accepting help does not mean giving up my independence.
For years, I felt like I had to prove to others that I was capable because I was able to do things on my own. Over time, I realized that true independence is not about doing everything by yourself.
To me, it means knowing my limits, making decisions that support my well-being, and asking for help when I need it.
Written by:Amie KroessigAmie Kroessig is a Patient Advocate and Outreach Coordinator for Cerebral Palsy Guide. In her role, she provides resources and support to families and caregivers of children with cerebral palsy to help give them the quality of life they deserve.
