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For Shannon Bishop, Disability Pride means believing in yourself, embracing new opportunities, and reminding the world that disability should never define what a person can achieve.
Shannon, a participant at UCP Central California, believes her journey has been shaped by resilience, determination, and the people who believed in her along the way.
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a young child, Shannon faced physical challenges, years of therapy, and bullying from classmates who didn’t understand her disability. Despite those obstacles, she never stopped moving forward. Today, she lives independently in Fresno, enjoys traveling throughout North America, and has built a life filled with friendships, adventure, and purpose.
Her message to others is simple: “You need to respect us. Don’t bully us. We’re just like everyone else. You need to give us a chance to be your friend.”
That message comes from lived experience. As a child, Shannon remembers classmates believing they could “catch” cerebral palsy simply by being near her. One friend stood up for her, telling the other children, “If I can touch Shannon and I don’t get sick, then no one else will either.”
The moment stayed with Shannon and reinforced something she has carried with her ever since: every person deserves to be accepted for who they are.
Two years ago, Shannon joined the adult day program at UCP Central California, where she discovered another community that celebrates her strengths. Through the program, she has found meaningful friendships, opportunities to express herself through the performing arts, and strategies that help her manage stress and reduce the risk of seizures.
“At UCP+, Shannon isn’t just a participant—she’s an active contributor,” said Steve Sousa, Performing Arts Instructor at UCP Central California. “She brings humor, insight and joy to our community, and she reminds all of us what resilience and perseverance look like.”
For Shannon, Disability Pride also means saying “yes” to life’s adventures. Whether traveling to Mexico, Canada, Alaska or Niagara Falls, exploring new places has given her confidence and reinforced her belief that disability should never limit a person’s dreams.
Her story is a reminder that inclusion begins with respect and grows through opportunity.
During Disability Pride Month, Shannon hopes people will look beyond a diagnosis and recognize the value every person brings to their community.
Reflecting on her own experiences, she says the lesson she carries with her is simple: “I learned that I’m just like everybody else.”
Shannon’s journey reminds us that Disability Pride is about believing in yourself, embracing new opportunities, and creating communities where everyone is welcomed, respected, and given the chance to thrive.