By Sarah Moussavian,
YO! Corps Volunteer at Silicon Valley Independent Living Center

Born with a disability, I know how hard it can be to go to school every day, feeling 'different'.

Since I was one of only a few students to have a physical disability in Elementary and Middle School I didn't have many friends to turn to when I was a victim of bullying.

As I was growing up, my classmates were afraid to be friends with me because they thought my disability was "contagious." After graduating, I thought about many of the friendships I missed out on and realized I wanted to break down the barriers that so many people with disabilities face every day.

I decided to join a leadership group for young people with disabilities, and that's where I first participated in fighting to change things. I got the chance to help author the proposal to create a Disability History Week in California.

We're celebrating the first Disability History Week this October. I believe that change will happen, and people with disabilities will eventually no longer fear being bullied.

To listen to the commentary visit
http://www.youthradio.org/news/one-girls-take-on-disability-history-week