Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

Dear Nicole,

I have a disability called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). This is a genetic disability and means I was born with it. SMA is a progressive disability. That means the effects of SMA show themselves more as time goes by. For example: I have been a person with a disability my entire life, but didn't notice it until I was about seven years old. I became more tired as I walked and eventually began to use a wheelchair. Now I cannot walk at all and use my wheelchair for mobility all the time.

My SMA is unique to me. That is something very interesting about disability. Not everyone is affected in the same way. I have friends with SMA that did not notice symptoms of being a person with a disability until they were over age 30, and others who were born without the ability to walk.

Not all people are born with their disability. Some people acquire their disability later in life. This can happen from an accident that causes injury to your head, neck, or spine. This is why it's important to wear your seat belt in a vehicle and protective gear when you play a sport.