Rebecca’s Journey: From Disability to Independence
Born shortly after the Reagan administration established Medicaid’s home and community-based services program, Rebecca has always embodied resilience. Paralyzed years after the Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted, she entered high school when the 1999 Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision affirmed the rights of individuals with disabilities to live within their communities, rather than being confined to institutions. Despite these advances, Rebecca faced significant challenges on her path toward independence.
University Life and Independence
In the fall of 2003, Rebecca’s parents made a pivotal decision to drive her nearly 400 miles to the University of Missouri. She opted against a closer school due to its policy of housing all students with disabilities in a single dormitory. Instead, she chose Missouri State, where she lived in a regular dorm and utilized an Illinois program that compensated fellow students for assisting her with daily activities.
Early Challenges in College
Shortly after her arrival, Rebecca’s parents pondered whether they had made the right choice. Their fears began to materialize when challenges quickly emerged. One caregiver quit unexpectedly, and another, who Rebecca presumed was a friend, stole $5,000 from her and misused her debit card. On a particularly distressing morning, Rebecca was left alone for hours, confined to her bed without access to food or basic needs, highlighting the stark realities of her independence.
Overcoming Adversity
Despite the obstacles, Rebecca persevered. She pursued a degree in visual arts, adapting her techniques to use a pencil with the assistance of a device held in her mouth. Following her graduation in 2007, she returned to the Chicago area to establish her own graphic design business, motivated by the same Medicaid program that had initially facilitated her journey. This program, however, also imposed strict limitations, creating barriers that would hinder her financial independence.
Education and Ambition
The financial constraints tied to the Medicaid program were daunting. In Illinois, Rebecca’s assets were capped at $17,500, impeding her ability to save for future goals like home ownership or retirement. Nevertheless, relentless in her ambition, she enrolled in Loyola University Law School and graduated in 2015 with $230,000 in student loans, navigating the complexities of the bar exam request process, which necessitated additional time for her typing needs.
New Beginnings and Relationship Building
While in law school, Rebecca began dating Greg, a former wheelchair basketball player. Their friendship blossomed online before transitioning to a relationship in person, leading to their engagement within four months. However, their love story came with its own unique challenges; they sought legal advice to ensure that Greg’s financial assets would not compromise Rebecca’s eligibility for Medicaid, showcasing the continual hurdles faced by couples with disabilities.
Building a Family and Career
The couple married in 2016, purchased a condo near Wrigley Field with family assistance, and both found fulfilling positions with Chicago Volunteer Legal Services—Greg as a paralegal and Rebecca as a supervising attorney. Together, they are crafting the life her parents envisioned for her, balancing professional aspirations alongside their personal commitments. Their morning routine reflects a partnership built on mutual support as they prepare for their workdays, learning to navigate their shared journey as a team.
Everyday Life and Professional Pursuits
In the comfort of their home office, Rebecca and Greg begin their workday amid laughter and personal nostalgia, with cherished memorabilia adorning their walls. As Rebecca adeptly navigates emails using a specialized device, their shared love of 90s grunge music fills the air, setting a determined tone for the day ahead. With support from caregivers and each other, Rebecca’s narrative exemplifies not only the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities but also the triumphs that can arise from tenacity and resilience.
