Audi Ellis: A CIS G10 Student

Q1: Please give a brief introduction about yourself.

A1: Hello! My name is Audi Ellis. I am a high school sophomore. I spent 14 years of my life growing up in Chicago. My family and I then moved to South Korea in June of 2021. I am a cellist, actress, and competitive figure skater, as well as a disability and LGBTQ+ rights activist.

Q2: Please explain specifically about the disability that you have.

A2: I was born with two visual impairments: Nystagmus and CRD (Cone Rod Dystrophy). They both affect my eyesight in different ways. Nystagmus is a vision condition in which my eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements. These movements cause reduced vision and depth perception and can affect my balance and coordination. In my case, these involuntary eye movements occur from side to side. As a result, both of my eyes are unable to steadily view objects. This is why you might see me hold my head in an unusual position to compensate for the condition. Cone Rod Dystrophy (CRD) is an inherited eye disorder that affects the light- sensitive cells of my retina. They are called cones and rods. With this condition, it is possible that I will experience vision loss over time as the cones and rods deteriorate. However, I want to be clear in saying that with any medical condition severity, symptoms, and treatment vary between every person.

Q3: What difficulties have you faced because of your disability?

A3: As you might guess, living with a visual impairment is challenging. It's intimidating and challenging to navigate a world designed for sighted people. The absence of Braille, the stress of crossing the road because I can't see the light, and having to explain what my mobility cane is to individuals who have no understanding of what my conditions are, are among the most prevalent challenges I've faced. In addition to such challenges, there are ones everyday people can't see such as eye discomfort, excessive light sensitivity, and the mental health issues that come with living in a world that wasn't designed for you.

Q4: How do you overcome any struggles that you face?

A4: I am visually impaired, which isn't a secret by all means. Sadly, it took me a long time to even accept that, much less talk about it. To me, my vision was my weakness and for years that was my thought process. However, when I eventually was able to admit to my challenge, that's when it scabbed over and became the armor I wear every day. It took me fifteen years to do that, and I'm still learning. The thing is, we all have hidden challenges, ones we won't talk about, ones we hide. However, I can tell you that it's hard, but life is hard. Life throws you curveballs when you least expect it, and sadly it's our job to expect them and dodge them. Sometimes we can't, and they hit us hard, and when they do we rise up and fight back. You may get knocked down, but I can tell you with 100% certainty it won't be the last time. So, my advice, get back up and keep walking. One day you will get to tell your kids, your friends, and the whole world what you faced and you will inspire an entire generation. So, keep walking, and keep getting back up. Every time you do, you know it won't be the last, but it will make you stronger, and I can promise you that.

Q5: What do you want to say to people who have the same disability as you?

A5: To those who are living with a visual impairment, I get it, it's hard, you feel alone, weird, like an outcast, and by all means, I get it. However, the truth is, you are not alone. There are support groups, schools, and people in your life whether you know it or not that is willing to fight anything for you. Society tells you that you have a “Disability” which to most means you can’t do something. However, ignore that, if someone tells you you are not good enough you say not only am I good enough, I am more than enough. You have a voice, and I know it may take years to find it, but when you do, use it to break the silence. I mean, what's the point of taking a stand if you only do it when it's safe and convenient? Right. Stand up, fight back, because it only takes one person to make a ripple of change.

Q6: What type of behavior do you want from the public regarding your disability?

A6: To me, the fact that people still have to ask these questions is your answer. We shouldn't have to be asked how we want to be treated. We are all the same, we have the same organs, blood, and skin. Humanity as a whole is amazing and we each deserve the same amount of respect, no matter someone's past, beliefs, identity, etc. I just want to be treated like everyone else. Just because I have one thing that makes me unique doesn’t mean I deserve any less respect. Everyone has something that makes them who they are but that one thing doesn't define them. So, if you see me, see me before you see my visual impairment and, that's with anyone. See their personality before anything else, that's the type of behavior we need in this world.