POV

What's up?

I'm Samuel Habib.

Growing up, my life was pretty awesome.

Now I'm ready to date, move out, and go to college, but it's freaking complicated.

One minute I can be getting dressed for the day, and the next minute I'm racing to the ER.

People talk down to me.

You are such a cutie.

You're kind of talking to him like he's a five year old.

The disability does not define who you are.

I can't believe he stroked my face.

Weird.

I need to talk to more disabled people who have navigated this stuff and are living badass adult lives.

What is the biggest risk you've taken in your life?

The biggest risk I've taking in my life?

The biggest risk... Do you feel underestimated because of the way you talk?

Never.

I ignore anyone who refuses to accept me.

You have to have ninja patience if you have a disability.

Sometimes my patience runs out.

I want a girlfriend.

Me too.

Do you have advice for me about sex?

Yes, I do.

If someone doesn't want to date you because you're disabled, that's not the person that you ever want to date.

Ever.

One can be sexual without necessarily screwing, and I'm glad my mother's not hearing this discussion.

I don't mind having a disability.

I just wish the world was wheelchair accessible.

Hell, yes.

I love who I am.

What I do not love, oppression created, not my disability.

Powerful.

The work of achieving social justice for disabled people also means changing societal and cultural values.

What we've been discussing, Samuel, is allowing disabled people to feel proud about who we are.

We have a right not to be discriminated against.

I'm tired of being underestimated.

I want to find my way.