Hey! Welcome to my disability & art blog.
My name is Briana and I have cerebral palsy, epilepsy, ADHD, PMDD, endometriosis, POTS, and multiple other conditions that are difficult to deal with. I try to use my skills as an artist to convey the challenges of living with disabilities in a way that everyone can understand, regardless of their abilities. I attempt to transcend ability and demonstrate my personal experience in this art & disability blog. Check it out!
Categories
All Articles | Art | ADHD | Anxiety | Brain Fog | Cerebral Palsy | Comedy | COVID-19 | Depression | Endometriosis | Epilepsy | Family & Partner Support | Medications & Treatments | Movies & TV Shows | PMDD | Podcasts | Politics | POTS | Raynaud’s | Reflection | Resources | Women’s Health
WeHa Art Gallery Virtual Companion
View more in-depth, insider information in this companion piece to my gallery at The Gallery at WeHa Brewing & Roasting Co. My show opens on Saturday, September 6th from 6-9pm, and goes through the entire month of September! See it in person while you can! Join me this weekend for art, photography, commentary on disabilities, food, and drinks!
Gimme Zohran Mamdani
In a time when politics is absolutely nauseating, Zohran Mamdani feels like a dose of relief for my uneasy stomach. “Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks.” This quote from Andor captures the heart of this article: Mamdani’s democratic socialist platform aims to expand healthcare, protect disabled New Yorkers, and challenge the power of billionaires and corporate interests. By rejecting oligarchy and rebuilding a people-first movement, his campaign shows why real change still matters in New York City and beyond.
ABLE Voices Podcast
I’m honored to be featured in Berklee’s ABLE Voices Podcast, led by Dr. Rhoda Bernard. In this post, I share how our conversation about disability and the arts led to my inclusion in Dr. Bernard’s new book — and how I stepped into the role of podcast guest-host to interview three incredible disabled artists. These projects highlight the importance of accessibility, representation, and creative inclusion. Listen to the episodes and learn more about the artists here!
Resources
Sometimes we all need a helping hand. Over the years, I’ve tried endless solutions to improve my mental and physical health. I’ve compiled a list of resources that I will update continuously. I have categorized them by disability, as well as support type. Please note that this is not a substitute for medical advice. I am simply providing these so that you can do your own research and inquire about possible solutions for you and your needs with your medical providers.
PMDD Awareness Month
April is PMDD awareness month. PMDD is a severe, cyclical mood disorder that causes rage, depression, anxiety, and physical symptoms that can take over your life. In this post, I break down what PMDD feels like, how it’s diagnosed, and how I’ve learned to manage it through medication, supplements, CBT, and art.
Watch My Guest Spot on The Moxie Pod
I recently had the honor of being a guest on The Moxie Pod, a Cerebral Palsy (CP) podcast hosted by two beautiful, intelligent, and hilarious ladies with CP – Saaniya Deora and Sara Nielsen. Sara and Saanyia started a weekly podcast in December of 2024 to demonstrate the force of character, determination, and nerve of people living with CP; in other words, Moxie.
Support Disability Journalism
I’ve been running my Disability & Art Blog unpaid for the past year, sharing personal stories, research, and resources to help others feel seen, informed, and empowered. This post outlines my GoFundMe campaign to keep the blog going and expand it into audio and podcast formats to make it more accessible, engaging, and inclusive. If funded, I’ll be able to write investigative articles, interview experts, and launch my podcast, Thank You So Much for Asking. Every contribution helps me keep this work alive and accessible to all.
Women’s History Month
This post discusses the history, progress, and regression of women’s rights and bodily autonomy. I address the women who have changed everything, often without recognition. I also provide information on the effects and harm that the current administration is causing to women, and the progress of women's rights.
Cerebral Palsy Awareness
Over the course of the past year, I decided to start sharing more about my disabilities, and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve found such a great community and hope to continue to meet more amazing disabled individuals. Living with multiple disabilities is exhausting to say the least, but I want to continue to share my journey and inform others. Swipe through to learn more about my experience with CP, different types of CP, how you can help, and more!
Endometriosis Awareness
After 20 years of being dismissed, I was finally diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis this past November. The pain I had been experiencing since age 12 wasn’t just “bad periods.” It was systemic inflammation, full-body flare-ups, and a worsening of my cerebral palsy that doctors refused to take seriously. The result was my organs adhering together, and me getting carved out like a pumpkin at 32.
March Awareness
March is a month of awareness and advocacy — it’s Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, Endometriosis Awareness Month, and Women’s History Month. Each of these causes are deeply personal to me and have shaped my experiences, challenges, and the work I create.
Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day 2025
March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, and Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day is March 25th, 2025! This year, I worked with the Cerebral Palsy Foundation to create shirts for the big day! The Cerebral Palsy Foundation is dedicated to transforming lives for people with cerebral palsy through research, innovation, and collaboration. Check out the designs I made for CP Awareness!
Why You Should Hire Me, Briana Raucci, As Your Creative Team of One
I’m Briana Raucci, your creative team of one. With a long history in a diverse set of skills, spanning from photography, to design, writing, branding, and more, I deliver the depth and quality of a full creative team with the personal touch of an independent artist. Read why working with a creative team of one can make all the difference for your next project!
Disabilities in Star Wars: The Evolution of Representation and the Impact of KB in Skeleton Crew
In Skeleton Crew Episode 6, KB’s journey offers a groundbreaking portrayal of disability in the Star Wars universe. As someone with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, KB’s story resonated deeply with me, showcasing the importance of authentic and inclusive storytelling. This is the kind of representation the galaxy—and we—need.
A Year of Art
Take a look back at my creative journey in 2024! From oil paintings and pastels to digital illustrations, logo designs, and film photography, this year has been all about exploring new mediums and connecting with amazing clients. Whether you're looking for unique artwork, custom logo design, or wedding and portrait photography, I’d love to collaborate with you in 2025. Browse my gallery, shop original prints, or book a custom commission today!
“Nothing Wowed Me”
“Nothing Wowed Me” is what a former coworker said about my creative portfolio. In this journal-like blog post, I reflect on that moment, transforming the negativity into a celebration of resilience, self-worth, and triumph over systemic and personal challenges. Paired with an abstract acrylic painting, this piece represents the faces of people who try to make others feel inferior. Read my thank-you letter to this man and let it serve as a reminder to never let anyone take away your power.
Brain Frog — My COVID Self-Portrait
I explore the frustrating phenomenon of brain fog that I've experienced during my second battle with COVID. This mirrors the cognitive challenges I face post-seizure. I highlight the fragility of our cognitive processes and discuss my personal experiences with both COVID and epilepsy and how these health issues can impact daily life. Read my tips for managing brain fog & inflammation.
Thank You for Supporting Me & My Disabilities — A Love Letter to My Boyfriend on his 33rd Birthday
Read to learn more about how you can make the people in your life feel loved and cared for.
What it feels like when people don’t understand your disabilities + ADHD
It can be really challenging when people don’t understand you. I’ve learned the difference between explaining myself, and expressing myself.
Meeting Comedian Josh Blue — My Cerbral Palsy Icon
I got to meet my CP icon, the absolutely hysterical Josh Blue during cerebral palsy awareness month!
Make a donation.
I am an artist with disabilities trying to make a living through my art, so I deeply appreciate your support. Any donation is meaningful and thoroughly appreciated. With your donation, you are supporting my small business, helping a person with disabilities, and giving me the resources I need to get my message out and educate more people about living with disabilities! Thank you so much!
Thank you to my supporters
Thank you to everyone who has donated to my GoFundMe campaign thus far! Your support truly means the world to me. I deeply appreciate that you see the value in this work and that you believe disabled voices, independent journalism, and accessible storytelling are worth funding.
Special thanks to: Dorothy Vaspasiano, Michael J. Harkey, James Miller, James McGee, Vicki Gelpke, Larry Goble, Wendy Naratil, Taylor Macioci, Judy Petrillo, Stacey DeMartino, Jordyn DeMartino, Maddy Ullman, Joy Panigada, Judith Wilcox, and Lauren Raucci for making this ongoing work possible!