Hey! Welcome to my disability & art blog.
My name is Briana and I have cerebral palsy, epilepsy, ADHD, PMDD, endometriosis, POTS, and multiple other conditions that are difficult to deal with. I try to use my skills as an artist to convey the challenges of living with disabilities in a way that everyone can understand, regardless of their abilities. I attempt to transcend ability and demonstrate my personal experience in this art & disability blog. Check it out!
Categories
All Articles | Art | ADHD | Anxiety | Brain Fog | Cerebral Palsy | Comedy | COVID-19 | Depression | Endometriosis | Epilepsy | Family & Partner Support | Medications & Treatments | Movies & TV Shows | PMDD | Podcasts | Politics | POTS | Raynaud’s | Reflection | Resources | Women’s Health
ABLE Voices Podcast
I’m honored to be featured in Berklee’s ABLE Voices Podcast, led by Dr. Rhoda Bernard. In this post, I share how our conversation about disability and the arts led to my inclusion in Dr. Bernard’s new book — and how I stepped into the role of podcast guest-host to interview three incredible disabled artists. These projects highlight the importance of accessibility, representation, and creative inclusion. Listen to the episodes and learn more about the artists here!
Cerebral Palsy Awareness
Over the course of the past year, I decided to start sharing more about my disabilities, and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve found such a great community and hope to continue to meet more amazing disabled individuals. Living with multiple disabilities is exhausting to say the least, but I want to continue to share my journey and inform others. Swipe through to learn more about my experience with CP, different types of CP, how you can help, and more!
Endometriosis Awareness
After 20 years of being dismissed, I was finally diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis this past November. The pain I had been experiencing since age 12 wasn’t just “bad periods.” It was systemic inflammation, full-body flare-ups, and a worsening of my cerebral palsy that doctors refused to take seriously. The result was my organs adhering together, and me getting carved out like a pumpkin at 32.
March Awareness
March is a month of awareness and advocacy — it’s Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, Endometriosis Awareness Month, and Women’s History Month. Each of these causes are deeply personal to me and have shaped my experiences, challenges, and the work I create.
What it feels like when people don’t understand your disabilities + ADHD
It can be really challenging when people don’t understand you. I’ve learned the difference between explaining myself, and expressing myself.
Make a donation.
I am an artist with disabilities trying to make a living through my art, so I deeply appreciate your support. Any donation is meaningful and thoroughly appreciated. With your donation, you are supporting my small business, helping a person with disabilities, and giving me the resources I need to get my message out and educate more people about living with disabilities! Thank you so much!
Thank you to my supporters
Thank you to everyone who has donated to my GoFundMe campaign thus far! Your support truly means the world to me. I deeply appreciate that you see the value in this work and that you believe disabled voices, independent journalism, and accessible storytelling are worth funding.
Special thanks to: Dorothy Vaspasiano, Michael J. Harkey, James Miller, James McGee, Vicki Gelpke, Larry Goble, Wendy Naratil, Taylor Macioci, Judy Petrillo, Stacey DeMartino, Jordyn DeMartino, Maddy Ullman, Joy Panigada, Judith Wilcox, and Lauren Raucci for making this ongoing work possible!