In honor of Disability Pride Month, we’re featuring a guest column by Romaine Akakpo, a consulting advocate for The Arc of Adams County. Born in Ghana, she has lived with a cognitive disability since childhood, holds an associate’s degree in web design and enjoys creative pursuits.
By Romaine Etor Akakpo
My story begins in Ghana, Africa. At 21 months old, I had a severe illness, malaria, that changed everything. I suffered multiple strokes and a brain injury. After recovery, I was forced to relearn basic functions. I have lived with a cognitive disability ever since.
Growing up in Ghana, I loved soaking up the sun while daydreaming about when I would get to experience the United States — to “see if the grass looks greener on the other side” as people say. I did not have any interest in being a doctor or a lawyer, instead I wanted to be a flight attendant. I wanted to travel the world, learn the languages other people spoke, eat their foods and immerse myself their cultures.
I experienced many learning challenges when I was young, including bullying. My family moved to the United States so I could have more opportunities. Starting high school here at age 15 was a massive transition. I felt a deep pressure to do well academically. I went on to pursue my love for creativity, eventually earning an associate degree in web design.
For the past two years, I have served as a consulting advocate for The Arc of Adams County, a nonprofit organization that helps people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). I have brought my life experience to the table, and I have empowered individuals to speak up for themselves. I am the author of a monthly column, called “Lettuce Talk with Romaine” — pun absolutely intended.
I have also led several Self-Advocacy trainings for individuals with IDD at local schools and day programs in the Metro Denver Area. Self-Advocating, also known as speaking up for yourself, means informing your family, friends, employer and coworkers what is important to you. Self-Advocacy means having the confidence within yourself and using your voice.
Here are a few questions that can help you advocate for yourself:
- What needs to change?
- What is the best way to communicate your needs?
- How can you explain your concerns clearly?
Practicing self-advocacy can help you share your needs, set boundaries and tell your story in your own words.
Use “I” statements (like “I feel that…” or “I would like…”), stay respectful and focus on what would help. You do not need to wait until there is a serious problem to speak up.
Consider this: Do you want to “fit in” or stand out and tell your story in your own words? I choose to stand out. That’s why Self-Advocacy is important to me.
