Faith, Disability, and Dogs

When Lydia “Dia” Crabtree found a diagnosis for passing out five times a day and the chronic hives and general rebellion of her body, she was told to never drive again, to wear a helmet at all times, and pray that the medical field would find a treatment for her rare heart condition. She was forced to deal with all the spiritual questions that come with a devastating diagnosis—”Why her? What did I do wrong? Am I not a mighty enough witch?” She had to swim against a societal tide that has little patience for imperfect persons, especially when they look “normal.” Lonely and desperate to find a way to live, Dia decided a service animal was the answer. Since then she has faced ableist discrimination, discrimination against her canine companions, and general disbelief that she “needs” a service dog. In this session, she talks about her journey and observations, and gives some advice about living in an ableist world as someone who is otherly abled.