ABSTRACT
In this chapter, Solange, a young woman who was born with visual impairment, reflects on her childhood experiences in Malta. Solange was born in Canada, where her parents had to deal with encounters with unhelpful medical professionals. Eventually, they relocated to their native Malta where they were surrounded by supportive family and friends. Solange recounts how she did not identify as being disabled as she grew up, although she was aware of her visual impairment. On the one hand, this meant that there were times when she felt inadequate and inferior to other children. On the other hand, it meant that she could grow up without experiencing pity or overprotectiveness. Solange always felt included in school. Teachers provided her with the support she needed to access written information. Her parents were also supportive. However, there were difficult moments too, and it took Solange quite a few years to come to terms with her visual impairment and embrace her status as a disabled person.
