Breaking Barriers with Spinal Muscular Atrophy

In a society that often overlooks people with disabilities, I am proud to be an advocate, challenging ableist attitudes and cultural biases. My name is Zaynab. I am a 24-year-old Muslim woman living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and this is my story.

As a teenager, I faced the daunting reality of my declining health and gradual loss of mobility. Yet I refused to let this hold me back. Though I became a wheelchair user at a young age, I am still able to weight-bear and manage my personal needs independently. I am proud to have earned a university degree, and I now work full-time as a speech and language therapist. I was also honoured to receive the Midlands Inclusivity Diversity Award in recognition of my work as an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion.

My journey began with a diagnosis of Spinal Muscular Atrophy at the age of 2, when I didn’t meet the typical milestones for my age. For my parents, this was devastating; especially for my mother, who had already been through this with my older sister, who also has SMA. Throughout primary school, I was able to walk, though I fell often. Each time, I’d pick myself up and keep going. But at 12, I began using a wheelchair, making secondary school a challenging experience. Being “different” amongst my peers was not easy and by 16, I was a full-time wheelchair user.

My mental health has fluctuated over the years, but sixth form marked a turning point. I began to build confidence and a strong sense of self, and living away in Leeds during university allowed me to fully embrace my disability as part of who I am. Although the path to acceptance was long, it has shaped me into the person I am today—someone little Zaynab would be proud of.

I am passionate about sharing my story and advocating for disability awareness, especially within the South Asian community, where this topic is rarely addressed. I aim to challenge perceptions of my capabilities and show that my disability does not define my limits. I live my life fully, trying new restaurants, pursuing hobbies I love, and spending time with friends and family.

Through my hardest moments, my family was my greatest support, and I found strength in my prayer and faith. To anyone facing similar challenges, know that your journey may feel like a long, emotional rollercoaster, and acceptance can take time. It’s okay to have difficult days, but you will reach a place of peace with your disability. Do not let others’ opinions set your limits. You grow through what you go through. Break through those barriers, persevere, and, above all, stay true to yourself.

Instagram: @wheelchairhijabi TikTok: @zaynxbr