What does it really mean to live with cerebral palsy as an adult?
In this powerful episode we’re joined by Vicki, founder of Vicki Admin Fairy, who shares her honest and deeply personal journey navigating cerebral palsy, independence, healthcare challenges, and entrepreneurship. You can find out more about Vicki here.
Her story highlights something many people don’t realise: cerebral palsy doesn’t stop at childhood. The reality of living with it as an adult often comes with new challenges, fewer support systems, and a constant need to advocate for yourself.
Understanding Cerebral Palsy Beyond Childhood
Cerebral palsy is often talked about as a childhood condition, but it’s a lifelong neurological condition that affects movement, coordination, and muscle control.
For Vicki, cerebral palsy has shaped her mobility and daily life in ways that many people don’t see or understand. One of the biggest misconceptions is that cerebral palsy is static or that support remains consistent throughout adulthood.
In reality, adult support can be limited, and many people with cerebral palsy must take responsibility for managing their condition independently.
Mobility isn’t just about getting from A to B — it’s about maintaining strength, preventing deterioration, and adapting as the body changes over time.
The Reality of Adult Healthcare and Advocacy
One of the most striking parts of Vicki’s story is her experience navigating the healthcare system — particularly after breaking her hip.
What should have been straightforward treatment became a situation where she had to actively advocate for her own needs, ensuring medical professionals understood her condition, her mobility goals, and what recovery needed to look like for her long-term independence.
This highlights an important reality: disabled people are often forced to become their own advocates within healthcare settings.
Understanding your body, knowing your needs, and speaking up can make a significant difference in outcomes — even when it feels uncomfortable or exhausting.
Exercise, Mobility, and Maintaining Independence
Exercise and physiotherapy play a crucial role in maintaining mobility for people with cerebral palsy.
Rather than being optional, movement becomes essential for preserving strength, flexibility, and independence.
Vicki shares how maintaining an active approach to her mobility has helped her continue living independently and running her business.
Adaptive tools, customised mobility aids, and physiotherapy are not about limitation — they are about enabling freedom and control.
These adaptations make it possible to live, work, and participate fully in life.
Breaking Misconceptions About Disability
One of the recurring themes throughout the episode is how often disability is misunderstood.
There is still a widespread assumption that disabled people are either completely dependent or unable to live independently — but Vicki’s story challenges those assumptions.
She runs her own business, manages her independence, and continues to adapt and grow despite the challenges she faces.
Disability doesn’t remove capability — it changes the path.
Adaptation, problem-solving, and resilience become part of everyday life.
The Mental and Emotional Side of Independence
Living with cerebral palsy isn’t just a physical experience — it’s also emotional and psychological.
There are moments of frustration, exhaustion, and uncertainty, especially when systems aren’t designed with accessibility in mind.
But there’s also empowerment in learning what works for you, advocating for yourself, and building a life that supports your needs.
Independence doesn’t mean doing everything alone. It means having the tools, support, and autonomy to make your own choices.
Disability, Entrepreneurship, and Creating Your Own Path
Vicki’s work as founder of Vicki the Admin Fairy demonstrates how disabled entrepreneurs are creating flexible, accessible careers that work for their bodies and lives.
Running a business allows her to adapt her work around her energy, mobility, and health needs — something traditional employment doesn’t always allow.
Entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for disabled people to reclaim control over their time, environment, and future.
Why These Conversations Matter
Stories like Vicki’s are essential because they challenge stereotypes, highlight systemic gaps, and show the reality of disability beyond assumptions.
They remind us that accessibility isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.
They also show the strength, resilience, and innovation within the disabled community.
Most importantly, they help others feel less alone.
You can find out more about Vicki here.
You can find all the ways to watch and listen to the full episode here.
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