Today we’d like to introduce you to Lily Bailey
Hi Lily, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born with a physical disability that affects my balance and coordination, but not my cognition. I started using a wheelchair due to fatigue in fifth grade. I had a hard time figuring out where I fit in for a while. A teacher in seventh grade pushed me towards a leadership role, and it went well. When I was in high school, I was able to participate in the National Science Foundation’s 2021 annual convening and share my story. I got to advocate for people with disabilities in STEM and it felt like what I was meant to do. I am now a sophomore Community Leadership major at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and the President and Co-founder of the Disability Awareness Club on campus. I want to go into disability advocacy so I can help people like me access opportunities and feel a sense of belonging.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As someone who uses a wheelchair, there have obviously been a lot of physical barriers. I’ve been lucky enough to have people willing to help me along my journey. I am so grateful to have an amazing support system and be able to be surrounded by people who help me become who I want to be. I face a lot of challenges from strangers who assume that they know what my disability is and what I’m capable of. People who don’t know me often assume that I have a limited cognition. People who know me know that I am very smart and capable of taking care of myself. There are definitely some things that I need help with, but assuming what I can and can’t do is not helpful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am currently in college with aspirations of becoming a disability advocate. One of my proudest accomplishments is the Disability Awareness Club. This club was formed to raise awareness of different disabilities and promote disability culture. Through the club, we have made some changes around campus. Administration has been very receptive to these changes, we just needed a disabled voice in our community and the club is a way to amplify it.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was involved in a lot growing up. I rode horses outside of school for 15 years. Through school, I participated in theater and robotics. In high school, I also participated in multiple leadership organizations, math team, and GSA. I was the kind of student who participated in almost everything and I had to learn how to manage my time. I was always seen as the nice kid, but I have always had a little trouble making friends. I am an only child so I was always very adult-oriented. My teachers really liked me and I was a rule follower.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Photo 1 – tabling at disability pride event photo credit: Jeffrey Bailey
Photo 2 – senior picture photo credit: Damon Photography
Photo 3 – graduation picture photo credit: Jubilee Bailey
Photo 4 – photo credit: Jubilee Bailey