Emily’s Normal Life…With Cerebral Palsy 

My name is Emily Cowen. I’m 26 years old and I have a physical disability called cerebral palsy. I have been a professional disability advocate for over a decade. Life brings me significant challenges. I’m unable to walk independently, I have a speech impediment, and my motor skills are impaired. I use a communication device to efficiently share my thoughts. Despite my life circumstances, I choose to rise above that and create a successful, meaningful life for myself. I have my bachelors degree in psychology, I am a part of several disability advocacy organizations, and I live independently with my fiancé. My most recent accomplishment is starting my own business. A lot of people have said that I am incapable of being successful due to my disability. Not only do I prove them wrong every day, but it has made me have a passion to educate about disability. It has also caused me to have a passion to teach other disabled adults and youth how to advocate for themselves.