Learning to Walk at Age 18 (Life with Cerebral Palsy)

Tajia is diagnosed with cerebral palsy and has dreamt of walking her entire life. Today, at age 18, she’s begun to take steps with a walker for the first time. Tajia knows that with hard work she will one day walk independently.
SBSK Insta: / specialbooksbyspecialkids
SBSK Twitter: / chrisulmer
Follow Tajia at / tajia_love

[@ArgieHandle]

5:07. I love the father's response, not asking for a lighter burden, but for broader shoulders. Bless him

[@angelthedemon666]

i love how proud she is that her brothers defend her

[@rivergreen1727]

I laughed when her brother clarified that he tackled that kid during tackle football, like he definitely wouldn't have tackled him otherwise 😂

[@santaanaluna4563]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@shoelacedonkey]

Hahah, yeah, that smile she got when her brother said he taclked that kid super hard... and rightly so! :D

[@AmarMah]

She has me in tears. What a wonderful mind. And coping with things so mature. She's not a "normal kid", she's so much better than that.

[@AmeekPal123]

Indeed, she is inspirational. Much love.

[@lolhiho1]

She is a human angel, just pure and innocent like an angel

[@mariamurmis4915]

She is so adorable, bright. Such a wonderful ambassador for people with CP. You can see the importance of support and a loving family.

[@ptx713]

She is very pretty and very intelligent… she is a soldier. Strong minded and humble…

[@jenniferfritz3374]

Such a beautiful girl with a sweet personality! Tajia, your joy and determination is contagious!

[@-DRIP]

I had a boss with cerebral palsy, probably one of the best boss’s I’ve ever had hands down. It just sucked to see him struggle with back and leg pains, but he recently got married and still going strong 😊 genuinely miss him, he always put everyone before himself.

[@eagleeyetenne3195]

I've saved this interview in my favorites under "Best video to slap myself when I'm in a bad mood". I've watched it 100 times and it really helps. Tajia and her family have so many life wisdoms to tell, it's totally uplifting. "Nothing is going to stop me from being happy" Perfect life attitude, Tajia!

[@benjaminfletcher6632]

This is my favorite SBSK video. I share it with everyone. I have watched it many times because it inspires me to keep trying even when things seem tough. Taija is incredible. I know she said that she just wanted people with CP to be shown as capable of doing anything but to me she showed that we all are capable of anything. The sheer joy she expresses with just trying to walk reminds me that this most important aspect of life: Trying. Every person alive gets frustrated when they can't do something, but we all have to remember that just chasing our dreams is fun. We all have to keep trying. Taija is incredible. She can do so much but she chases the thing that she was told she can't do. I am ashamed to admit it but until this video with Taija I would not have taken the time to listen to someone who talked like this, but Taija had something important to say. It had a meaning and an impact on my life. It was worth waiting to hear her thoughts, so now I will listen and wait when I hear someone talking like her. Thank you for sure sharing a part of your life. We tend to other people we don't see and don't understand. SBSK makes sure that everyone is seen and heard. Thank you.

[@figgynewton3138]

Benjamin, I think that your comment is as BEAUTIFUL AS YOUR SOUL IS💯🌹.... It takes alot to admit our faults sometimes. We should all STOP 🛑 and take the time to appreciate the little things. The little things that this beautiful young lady doesn't get to do. If I could I'd be her friend and be there to carry her on my shoulders anytime she needed it❤️❤️🌹🌹

[@Doughboy14145]

This comment really moved Me

[@larryh6934]

Man do I agree with you ! She is an Angel here to remind us to be grateful and not complain by modeling such a positive approach to life with a hardship likely none of us have or will have. Thank you Taija. Ps. The instagram link for her doesn’t seem to work for me.

[@lotharsoran3604]

Good on you. I grew up with a friend who had CP. My family, are all disabled. However, not everyone is blessed by the understanding that everybody is equal, and worthy. Not all are brought up that way. Many people don't even give such people a second thought. The main thing is, you've learned better now. And it is the right thing to do, to use your newfound knowledge, to encourage others to learn too. If we all keep doing that, a little at a time... things will change.

[@mayneeyuh8713]

The love they have for each other is heartwarming. Such a beautiful family.

[@Doughboy14145]

I felt tears swell in my eyes so many times throughout this interview. Tajia’s story genuinely inspired me and has shed new light on a struggle I didn’t understand. I hope I carry the lesson’s she and her family have taught me in this video always.

[@borsuk96]

Watching couple of movies from this channel and how people struggle everyday problems gives knowledge that ordinary people complains means less than zero

[@virginiaconnor8350]

Never give up! And don't listen to negative people either!

[@Raven-pr6vd]

@@borsuk96 Go and tell people on the street then, how their lifes are perfect and are not allowed to complain about anything. But keyboard warriors like you, don't have much of a spine to do anything in reality.

[@baxtercol]

Hola, Tengo parálisis cerebral también pero tengo 62 años. Usted y su familia viven en un mundo que me parece raro ahora pero que tiene mucha potencial, tal como usted, enhorabuena. Tiene toda una vida para disfrutar de todo lo que ofrece el mundo tan lindo y tan diverso. Le deseo lo mejor. Usted quiere inspirarles a todos pero no es algo en el futuro; ya lo está haciendo. Y es más: Estoy segura que estás caminando. ¡Gracias por todo lo que usted da al mundo! Y su madre tiene razón: sí es perfecta. A los padres y la abuela, les agradezco todo lo que ustedes han dado y compartido. Es su fe y su manera de ser que imparte la voluntad de continuar a veces en plena lucha. Es también su celebración de la vida que da ánimo y amor. Especialmente al padre, acabo de perderle a mi papá y le aseguro que, aunque no le conozca, va a encontrar toda la fuerza que necesita, exactamente cuando la necesite. Usted es muy importante y capaz. La edad cambia ciertas cosas pero lo esencial lo tiene ya en su fondo, en sus huesos. Le tengo especialmente a usted y a la hija suya tan increíble en mis oraciones. Le pido a nuestro Dios bendiciones para la familia entera. ¡Qué Jesús les cuide mucho! I have cerebral palsy too but I'm 62 years old. In the message I just wrote to the family and especially to these wonderful parents' incredible daughter, I wished them the best and promised them my prayers and thanked them for the joy, hope and tenacity they bring into our crazy world. I'm writing this part in English because I want everyone to be able to understand it. I am not a woman of color and more specifically, not Hispanic. I had to learn my Spanish so this young lady has one up on me😊. I and the young heroine of this story are part of the largest minority that is often silent and not always the politically correct one: people with disabilities or as I like to say, those who are differently-able. We only ask that you treat us as you would treat anyone else and we remind you that normal is only the centeral range of the bell curve. We all need each other and we live interdependently whether we like it or not so let's all contribute our best selves. God bless everyone, especially those who are lonely and who find life difficult for whatever reason(s).

[@nataliesreptileroom3348]

What a beautiful and sweet girl. The fact that anyone could be so heartless to make fun of someone like her breaks my heart.

[@rockydennis4497]

Such a sweetheart!!!This is how I want my kids to see me and think of me!!!The way she speaks about her parents..especially her Father is so beautiful to see!!!I lose it every time she puts her arms around him and says that he is her hero!!!!Onions!!!

[@user-alshap]

I am so in awe of this young lady, and her family. I would LOVE a follow up with her now that five years have passed. I bet this young woman is achieving her dreams, one by one!

[@toomuchtotype6079]

What a beautiful person she is inside and out. I really needed to hear her words of encouragement today. She’s awesome!

[@jamesivey246]

I'd love an update on her life. 5 years ago she seemed so energetic and full of life, i really want to see how she's doing after half a decade.

[@fenderstrat6519]

She on tiktok

[@Hellohihey670]

Tajia has a beautiful heart. I love her determination, optimism, and strength. Her family’s support is amazing too. God bless her and her family ❤️ “I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength” Philippians 4:13

[@letsss.trip03]

Hi Chris. Five years on, I'm watching this, and it's melting my heart. I am soon 14 and live with Cerebral Palsy as well, though not the same type as Tajia's. I have spastic diplegia, which mainly affects my legs and core (balance etc.). After a major back surgery in 2017 - which we had to travel to the U.S for since it's not available where I live - I now use crutches to walk around, and can get around the house independently without any form of support. If it weren't for the surgery, my muscles by now would be so severely contracted and tight that I'd be permanently confined to a wheelchair. Living with C.P, or any condition for that matter, isn't easy, but people like you and Taija and all the people you interview are such an inspiration to not just me, but countless other people too, I'm sure. To anyone out there that's struggling with disabilities, differences or anything that makes you feel like you're not 'part of the crowd': You're not supposed to be. Society has created this umbrella expectation of what normality is supposed to be like, which is pointless, because normal is different for everybody anyways! You're so, so loved. To Chris, Tajia and everyone at SBSK: Thank you for everything. People like you are helping the world to realise that not everyone needs to fit under society's expectations, and that everyone deserves love and inclusivity, no matter the circumstance. You guys are true angels. Much love

[@Haydn-ps5rl]

Did you have SDR?

[@letsss.trip03]

@@Haydn-ps5rl yeah I did, in 2017. Any reason for asking?

[@mason74551]

Thank you. Very well said. Thanks for sharing!

[@Haydn-ps5rl]

@@letsss.trip03 Just trying to understand your personal situation as I also have CP and had SDR in 2014.Also can i say how great you are for doing this and breaking down stigmas around the condition.

[@letsss.trip03]

@@Haydn-ps5rl thank you. I try my best to share my story and teach people that people with any sorts of conditions are no different to any typically developed person. Hope you’re doing well, keep working at it. Remember, it only gets worse if you let it 💪

[@66chev44]

I was in tears when she walked with her wheelchair, what an inspiration this beautiful young woman is !!! I love how protective her brother are of her ♥️♥️

[@terryanngreen5377]

She is super smart and I learned how to love and accept kids like her because i also have a 12 years old cerebral palsy son and i am living in Jamaica where it is much harder to be accepted and to get help with him but i am pushing through and ii love my son like crazy and i would do it for him all over again.

[@JuntosXlaLibertadMileyBuIIrich]

I hope you and your son are doing well. Best wishes

[@kinkin7223]

Tajia, never stop being you! You are so gorgeous and inspiring!

[@sherwindai1259]

"No matter how big your dream is, keep trying and never give up" , thank you so much Tajia, I learned a lot! Wishing you and your family all the best!

[@benjaminkenobi21]

SO MUCH RESPECT to this beautiful, determined young woman

[@thebradrats1802]

I cried watching this when she said how some people are mean to her or don't want to be her friend. You are so beautiful inside and out ❤

[@maggiepanning356]

I cried through most of this. Not with sadness or with pity, but because it is so powerful to hear such deep and true words of gratitude. I felt so inspired throughout this whole thing, so I smiled from ear to ear when she told us her wishes for the world. I wish that her wishes were everyone’s wishes. I loved this interview. And the world sees how smart and wise and charming and beautiful and gracious you are!

[@user-jj7ym2ub9k]

this video was my source of happiness a couple years ago, it’s never left my mind since. i’m happy i found it again

[@russellclyde3454]

Me also i was born with cerebral palsy.

[@MaryT-xb6sy]

Tajia, you have spiritual strength. It is so touching to see the family is there for her.

[@SolarCrush48]

Hi Tajia! Has anyone ever told you you look just like actress Athena Karkanis? Gorgeous! ❤️

[@krystalharwood6359]

her and Joan Crawford in Baby Jane reminded me of Athena

[@myraselby9947]

A little like athena

[@Clydekid]

No more like Jessica Alba!❤😎

[@melissak.8385]

So beautiful, stunning.True beauty inside and out! 🤗

[@BradyWillis-uh5jk]

Which effects my writing

[@RickMcKnigh7]

Tajia, thank you for your positive demeanor and encouraging advice, your courage is unshakable and you are strong beyond measure. I lost my ability to walk several years ago but it's because of beautiful souls like you that I find the strength to never give up in the face of physical challenges. You've given me that extra boost I needed 🙂 thank you for being you.

[@catherinecable922]

I know this was 5 years ago, and I hope she still reads comments. She is a very brave, determined, beautiful woman. So proud of her.

[@snotpup1502]

i'm illustrating a childrens book about a girl with cerebral palsy atm and Tajia inspires me so much

[@silentsnooc]

9:26 is inspiring to say the least. I sometimes feel bad watching those videos because I sometimes use them in order to remind myself how good I have it. I am one of those people who sometimes do not appreciate that they can walk. But that's just the tip of the iceberg of things I forget to appreciate while being alive. Nevertheless I just want to say how impactful it is to hear a person in this kind of shoes having so much to say about life and it's challenges. And while she talks I get reminded that I truly have no idea what "challenges" are. They are nothing compared to Tajia's challenges yet she's able to stay positive. So, in case you ever read this, thank you Tajia for being the inspiration I need even though I might not deserve it.

[@sillypinkewe]

Don't feel bad learning from Masters of Awsome. She is a professor of life, a guru of happiness, a sage! You're going through tough times and we all look to masters to get advice. You don't want to go to someone without challenges to help you through challenges. You need an expert. I have a severe pain disorder and have been told that after seeing what I go through with pain - they feel more thankful for their lives. Personally that doesn't bother me, it highlights how strong I've become and how I can help others. But of course not everyone feels that way! Mainly I mean that disabled folks have a lot of wisdom to share and we usually love to share it. We love to help. It feels good to give help after always getting so much help. I find so much value in listening to masters of challenges. They have a wisdom no one else has, as they walk a unique path. They have a unique perspective. SBSK is a masterclass on life and the human experience, how to cope with grief and challenges, and most importantly- how we are all the same. I don't get notifications, sorry I can't reply, I just wanted to say - no need to be ashamed. You are being helped, comforted, educated and inspired. What is more beautiful?

[@ScottBeck-hk2lq]

What an inspiration and such a beautiful girl so full of grace and wisdom.

[@Save_Tangkhul]

She is so strong ,smart,and a happy beautiful girl..... I've learnt so many things from her Everyone fight battles ,some are easier to conquer,some are harder but there is only one rule "Never give up" Thanks SPSK for letting the world realised their worth

[@Jonesey-m3h]

I love this young lady! I love her positivity and her strength. I wish I knew her and could be her friend.

[@nick5150]

What a beautiful, and I mean beautiful young lady! Her smile is breathtaking along with such a positive attitude and outlook on life. Her family is so supportive and I wish her and her family the best in life.

[@enochgoodfellow8972]

God bless Tajia and her family. They are beautiful and they shine with love and a spirit of gratitude and joy. Clearly, there ARE angels among us!

[@carlosraymundomartinezesq3396]

You are an incredible young woman, and you inspire me. I’m 42 and able bodied. I haven’t graduated from high school and I’m not bilingual. You might say you’ve accomplished more in half the time than I ever will in my entire life.

[@baxtercol]

Don't give up on yourself! You're 42 years Young and barring some things you can't control, your only limits are the ones you impose on yourself. Go finish High School! Learn a language if you want to or do whatever makes you feel smart, beautiful and fulfilled!

[@RandyBrady2024]

This young woman is a gifted communicator.

[@santaanaluna4563]

She really is very beautiful!… her smile is everything! ❤❤❤❤❤ Also, I understand how protective her brothers are of her but they need to not get angry ( for their own sake) and if they see someone making fun, just calmly tell them she has a challenge and let them talk to her, she seems like she has an essence about her that could win anybody over. ❤

[@bruce3038]

Tajia is one of the most beautiful human beings. She puts most of us to shame. May she never lose her spirit.

[@shellicooper4944]

That girl is a gift to her family and the world. She is precious! Beautiful too!

[@MommaBubbly]

God bless you princess Tajia! To know you is to love you! 💜 God bless your precious family!

[@sandraerickson559]

What a wonderful young woman. What a wonderful family. Sending warmest regards to them all.

[@sisterrabbit9115]

I believe you’ll be waking, too. Amazing woman with a wonderful family. God bless you all.

[@chrystalc]

Tajia, you are beautiful, inside and out! You are also very intelligent and loving!! God bless you and your family!!

[@elizajane91]

Tajia: i cried during your interview because today was the day I needed your wisdom. Try everyday. Believe in myself. Believe in my family. Feel true joy. Express gratitude. Thank you for your lessons.

[@mikebentley8308]

Her brothers standing up for her and protecting her honestly brought tears to my eyes. She's so proud to have them and show them off 💪 👍

[@sanayuyu]

she is seriously badass! her attitude towards life is so inspirational, and everything she says is really impactful. thank you tajia and chris!

[@chibbothy]

im so thankful for your time and words tajia! i learned a lot from you, and your smile and laugh brightened my day!

[@nathankelly7259]

“Nothing is going to stop me from being happy” …I love it 💖💪🏼

[@myfroggystuffno.1fan643]

Tajia…. First of all I LOVE that beautiful name of yours. Secondly, I think you are a very, very pretty, gorgeous young lady with a beautiful spirit and a contagious personality. I love how you can keep people motivated to keep on trying and perusing whatever their dreams are, under the GRACE of GOD. You said people with CP are smart, but you are a quadrillion times more smarter than you know. You speak, read and write two different languages, as well?! That’s an amazing and awesome task to be able to do, you are just an astonishing young lady, let me tell you. You keep up your incredible disposition on life, and congratulations on your book. You have big, BIG fans out here! May GOD continue to BLESS you.

[@FrankieB119]

All I can think during this interview is that I'm around her age and she seems super cool. I'd love to be her friend, and I think it's unfortunate and sad that others in her life would pass up that opportunity just because of her disability.

[@jr3474]

Tajia is an incarnated angel sent to earth to help those that met her to better persons

[@kathrynoneill5862]

She is so pretty.

[@1324TN]

Hi Tajla I'm Todd, on paper I have CP (I use a powerchair) and I'm a teacher at an elementary school, I always tell the kids nothing is to hard if you put your mind into it and never never give up.

[@Bretagnething]

I don't know what it is about Tajia. She is just such a bright, exceptionally pure light. I was in tears on amd off throughout this interview, just inspired by her determination and love for her family.

[@jonvoss4376]

Tajia is so inspiring!

[@blairariavanderkamp3405]

This was the best and most impactful sbsk video. Tajia is so beautiful inside and out & was such a joy to watch and listen to. She has wonderful parent, a wonderful family and an incredible outlook on. Thank you Tajia for reminding me that I should never give up on my dreams or on life.

[@wendikilman6275]

Tajia you are absolutely beautiful inside and out! Love you and your family. God bless you beautiful girl❤️

[@suprcrip2002]

Taja, you seem so delightful. Perhaps the people who you thought were laughing at you were just doing what I did while watching this: I laughed because you made me happy. You have a very contagious smile and made my evening. I think people will always laugh when you are around. That's what happens when you spread such joy.

[@baxtercol]

No, laughing at someone and laughing with that person are two very different things. Everyone and perhaps especially those of us with disabilities know the difference.

[@bubblesxo]

thank you so much. this literally changed my whole outlook on life. incredible wisdom, beauty, strength at such a young age and a loving supportive family. absolutely heartwarming and just what many people need to see.

[@victoriaboerschinger2891]

What a beautiful young woman. She is so good to meet. Thank you to her parents and the rest of her family for their love and support. I am confident that she can do anything that she sets her mind to do.

[@RedNovembers]

great girl. she truly opened my eyes. it is really so difficult to overcome one's own prejudices and assessments. but if you listen to her carefully, you realize that she is smarter and more empathetic than 90% of the people who consider themselves "normal".

[@sophiamondino4573]

Her smile is contagious. She’s so pretty and stylish

[@goldfishlover7997]

One of your best videos, I've learned a lot about cerebral palsy. I didn't know how intelligent people with cerebral palsy are. I'm going to talk and say hi next time the opportunity arises!

[@donnajocatlady3839]

Keep on going, girl! You rock!!!!! What a great family!!!

[@tocazuri4628]

what a brilliant and gorgeous young lady. She has more maturity than other young people her age. Keep striving for greatnessTaija I see you doing awesome things in life!!!

[@MrDanielcarvalhos]

She's so beautiful and full of life and energy and what a beautiful family se has. Good bless her and all the family

[@vynedvyne59]

Joy upon Joy❤ may God continue to bless and protect you

[@modenam9046]

Her younger brother made my day. I tackled him really hard. ❤️❤️ what a wonderful family! And, I’m 45 and still don’t know my purpose! What a blessing to the world❤️❤️❤️

[@seekinggodfirst754]

God bless you, Tajia!

[@carrierobertson5827]

Tajia you are so inspiring. You are so right, we are all fighting something and should never give up on our dreams!

[@terrybabb6057]

One of my favorites, a beautiful soul and a beautiful family.

[@yousif4646]

What a gorgeous, well spoken and intelligent young lady. I just hope she and her family are well and happy. Wow. Yousif / Bahrain

[@KBEAMON08]

Beautiful. Beautiful heart. Beautiful spirit 💕

[@susiemuirhead561]

Tajia is such a sweet girl! She's got a beautiful smile!

[@brunalop2000]

Wow, what a family !!!!! She is amazing!!! I was in tears because I can't imagine how hard her life is for her. but if we can remember our teenage time we can all relate to our desire to enjoy our friends, dreams and relationship. I pray that God gives her everything that she desires.

[@violetuchiha9960]

i love how she gets so happy hearing her brothers talk 🖤 and shes beautiful

[@peaceful865]

Forget about CP, Super Positive, blessed with kind family, in way of achieving what ever she wanted, miraculous personality, doing good in all means. I wish her to be happy. And learn from her ,we people always do complain about our life problems. Parents play imp part in kids life. Dey r just reflection of der parents. For her confident attitude.. All Credit goes to parents.🙏

[@r.d.whitaker5787]

A smart and cool young woman. She is so blessed to have a beautiful family. They are supportive of her❤️

[@MrJmcasillas]

Such a beautiful bond she has with her family especially her siblings. God bless them they will always have each other's backs.

[@teejay24k]

Very Smart Girl and glad she has brothers to stand up for her

[@aminawood1737]

What an absolute joy you are sweetheart! An inspiration to us all. Thank you for your precious heart!❤

[@allaboutthatwifeandmomlife]

This family love is so pure and beautiful. Love it God bless you all 🙏🏽

[@lunathestoryteller2433]

I love the fact she taught herself to walk!!!

[@jenniferdreves823]

Taija, you are so beautiful inside and out. You are so blessed to have a very loving family! You are a daddy’s girl. I’m sending you love and light sweetheart❤️

[@mopeyinseattle]

A good friend and former coworker is an attorney with cerebral palsy. I can tell you are very smart and determined! You can do so many great things

[@chrisdore6387]

A beautiful, brave young lady. I just hope she remembers something that she said, that she can do anything.

[@vikrantsingh5225]

Can’t wait for the day you achieve your goal! Walk away girl! Such an inspiration 🙏🏽

[@alexkuball2593]

What a smile this girl has got! It’s amazing

[@robertbarrasa1018]

You're going to do great things in this fight young lady you are so special and you give me gratitude and strength I keep going back and watching your video rewinding and rewinding it cuz I want to catch every bit of what you say and it just it just makes me not want to complain and and fight for you and I don't even know you but I love you and I know you're a child of God you're my sister in in this life and I would protect you of anybody would try to make fun of you or or disrespect you in any way to make you feel like you're not worth it you are special and you're and you're going to do so much things in life not only for yourself but you're going to save people's lives by hearing your story and and hearing your strength that you have and you don't complain about nothing we should all want to be like how you are your spirit is so strong and I love you God bless you young young lady!

[@DanielRodrigues-wq1rl]

Muitas palavras de sabedoria vindas da Tajia, que Deus lhe abençoe sempre e que ela ensina muita gente ainda neste mundo!!! parabéns!!!!! Abraços do Brasil!!! Many words of wisdom from Tajia, may God bless her always and may she teach many people still in this world!!! Happy birthday!!!!! Hugs from Brazil!!!

[@MikeMadison-z7o]

Most beautiful face ,and smile. So precious.

[@robertbarrasa1018]

Yes Miss family is everything to me as well this is what I live for is my family everything you're saying I feel the same way God bless your soul you're a beautiful woman and you're a child of God!

[@kiwdwks]

Tajia and her family are so inspirational! What great people they are with an amazing outlook on life...

[@5xq38p4u]

What a beautiful woman with such a bright positive attitude.

[@kimberlymartin2314]

She's a very beautiful young lady, that all could learn from her wonderful inspiration for life. 🥰