In a world that often focuses on limitations, people with disabilities are defying expectations and shattering barriers. Today’s blog post, written by Tohbii C Beans, delves into the personal journey of Nick Yerhart who has cerebral palsy, but he never let that stop him from believing his abilities were infinite.
By: Tohbii C. Beans
Nick was a normal baby right up until the moment he came into this world. Unfortunately, infant Nick found himself in a battle with his own umbilical cord. Something that once nourished him and brought him life ended up trying to take it away. Fortunately for the rest of the world, this was an unsuccessful attempt to stop Nick, the first of many that he would overcome in his lifetime. With the love and support of his family, Nick was prepared to battle anything.
Cerebral Palsy has many different causes, in the case of infant Nick, his umbilical cord had cut off the oxygen flow to his brain for just a bit too long. This had lasting implications for the infant Nick as he would grow and develop without the ability to control his body to the same extent that a healthy infant would. This would affect Nick’s speech and mobility the most. He suffered from a symptom called dyskinesia, involuntary, uncontrolled movements, like writhing or twisting, that can make it hard to stay still or perform precise tasks. As well as ataxia which causes problems with balance and coordination, leading to unsteady walking and difficulty with tasks that require fine motor skills. This meant that every day since the day of his birth was an uphill battle for Nick.
Much of Nick’s resilience came from the support and love of his friends and family. Early medical interventions allowed Nick the freedom to do things such as learning to drive. Nick’s ability to drive is something he greatly prides himself on as driving is something that people often believe someone with cerebral palsy isn’t permitted to do. Nick, however, has gone as far as to get certifications to drive all sorts of vehicles. Unfortunately, due to misunderstanding and stigmatization, Nick is often stopped and questioned about the legality of his driving. Despite overcoming the physical adversities of his childhood, Nick still had a long way to go before the world was truly ready for him.
Regardless, Nick carried on and eventually started his own business where he now offers his skills as a life coach to people in similar positions to himself. Nick has become a beloved pillar of his community who strives towards inclusion for everyone. Nick believes in a world where having a disability isn’t viewed as the end of the world. He aims to inspire people like himself to rise up and help him create a world where disabilities are destigmatized and treated with more empathy and understanding.
Nick’s journey is a testament to the power of breaking barriers. He has not only overcome physical challenges but also societal ones. By defying expectations and pursuing his dreams, he is challenging stereotypes and paving the way for a more inclusive world. Nick’s story serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that with determination, resilience, and the right support, anything is possible. His advocacy work and commitment to creating a world where disabilities are destigmatized further highlight his role as a barrier-breaker, pushing for change and empowering others to do the same.
Nick’s story is a powerful reminder that people with disabilities are not defined by their limitations, but by their resilience, determination, and spirit. Let his journey inspire us all to become advocates for disability inclusion. Challenge the misconceptions, celebrate the achievements, and create a world where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can break down barriers and build a truly inclusive society where everyone feels valued and empowered. Let’s embrace diversity, champion accessibility, and ensure that every voice is heard.
Nick Yerhart LLC
www.nickyerhart.com