Leanna Lee's experiences as a disabled digital nomad offer a unique perspective on the intersection of freedom, flexibility, and the challenges of managing disability in a lifestyle that embodies both constant movement and the pursuit for economic justice.
Embracing a Nomadic Life with Chronic Illness
Lee describes the choice to become a freelancer as a way to manage her chronic illnesses, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, by setting her own schedule. The onset of COVID-19 exacerbated her health issues and led her and her partner to take the plunge into nomadism late in 2021, hoping a change of scenery would prove beneficial.
The Luxuries of Low-Cost Living and Flexibility
One of the standout benefits of being a digital nomad for Lee is the ability to live in areas with a lower cost of living while accessing amenities that would be prohibitively expensive elsewhere. This not only allows for a better quality of life but also reduces financial strain and provides a slower-paced lifestyle conducive to managing health conditions.
Financial and Mental Benefits
Lee points out the cost-saving advantages of digital nomadism, such as furnished rentals with utilities included, which alleviate the financial and mental burden of traditional living setups. This framework enables her to focus more on her health and work without the stress of maintaining a permanent household.
Challenges of Nomadism with Disability
However, Lee candidly discusses the drawbacks of such a lifestyle. Starting anew in each location incurs hidden costs like restocking basic necessities, and the collection of travel-specific items like plug adapters becomes both a physical and financial weight over time.
Healthcare Hurdles
A major con for Lee is the varying access to healthcare. While international healthcare may be more affordable than in the U.S., limitations on medications and treatments, particularly for cannabis—which she relies on—can be restrictive. This forces her to weigh the trade-offs between lower living costs and consistent healthcare access.
The Natural Fit for Freelancers with Chronic Illnesses
Despite these challenges, Lee feels that the nomadic lifestyle suits her as both a freelancer and a person with chronic illnesses, who often exist outside conventional societal structures. The lifestyle, for her, is an extension of navigating life on society's fringes.
The Ongoing Quest for Balance
Lee's narrative underscores the ongoing balancing act between enjoying the freedoms of digital nomadism and contending with the health and financial considerations that come with disability. It's a testament to the pursuit of economic justice and quality of life for disabled individuals in the digital age.
By sharing her story within the context of the Disability Economic Justice Collaborative, Lee contributes to the broader dialogue about equity, accessibility, and the value of diverse experiences in shaping a more inclusive society.
Leanna Lee’s commentary provides valuable insights into the complexities of digital nomadism for people with disabilities. It highlights the freedoms, flexibility, and operational benefits while also acknowledging the significant challenges regarding hidden expenses and healthcare limitations. Her perspective not only reflects her personal journey but also sheds light on systemic issues concerning disability and economic justice.
Tags: #DigitalNomad, #DisabilityJustice, #ChronicIllness, #HealthcareAccess
https://tcf.org/content/commentary/the-ups-and-downs-of-life-as-a-disabled-digital-nomad/