Sirio Persichetti, a 7-year-old influencer changes the normalized perceptions and views of people with disabilities. He was born with spasctic tetraplegia, a form of cerebral palsy that results in him not being able to close his mouth.
Sirio cannot speak or eat on his own, but his mother, Valentina never let that interfered with his childhood.
Sirio and his mother spend their days playing and having fun. Though, she was surprised to see not many kids with disabilities have fun shown on social media.
Valentina then decides to create a social media platform for her son to show that his story might just be as similar to all the other kids.
In the interview, she said that she wanted people to perceive disabilities as not something that should be pitied at.
“It’s not easy to face, but with the right attitude and people, these children won’t have to feel much difference between them and the normal ones.
The social media page created for him are called Sirio and the Tetrabonds, the word being a combination of the name of his illness and the word ‘vagabond’ in tribute to his cheerful spirit.
Sirio is a stubborn boy, and with the disability, he turns even a little cocky, his mom said. “He’s a proud boy that’s proud of himself.”
Valentina likes poking fun at the usual narrative around kids with disabilities, saying that they shouldn’t be something we empathize with so much. “Families that live in similar situations as I do gave a positive response, so we decided to keep on going.”
Being ironic in situations like these can help build a sense of auspiciousness to their lives, surrounded by people that accept them for who they are, not because of his disability.
Just a few months after launching the page, Sirio gained hundreds and thousands of viewers. Valentina became hopeful that this would create an online support system for the families that struggle with disabled children.
Since Sirio’s battle went public, it had not been easy for the family because of how viral he’s become. Nonetheless, he couldn’t have come to the point of where he is now if it hadn’t been for the supporters.
It may be difficult to handle the fame, but if it helps other children and families feel like they matter, and that they are just as special as the rest of the people in the world, then it is a small price to pay.
Source: Twitter @nowthisnews