A Unique Love Story: Navigating Disability, Caregiving, and Partnership
Hannah Aylward and Shane Burcaw’s journey began with a simple email. What started as a late-night distraction turned into a life-changing connection that would eventually lead to marriage. Their story is not just about love but also about redefining what it means to care for someone while maintaining a healthy, balanced relationship.
The couple, known online as Squirmy and Grubs, have become influential voices in the conversation around disability, love, and caregiving. Their story has captured the attention of many, highlighting how their relationship challenges common misconceptions and stereotypes.
A Connection That Transcended Distance
Shane, an author and non-profit executive living with spinal muscular atrophy, had already made a name for himself in the disability community when Hannah first came across a documentary about his life. At the time, Hannah was studying sociology in Minnesota. She sent him a brief message, which sparked a conversation that continued for years.
Despite being thousands of miles apart, their bond grew stronger through texts, video calls, and eventually, in-person meetings. Their first meeting had its own romantic twist—Shane arrived an hour late to pick her up from the airport. However, this small mishap didn’t deter him from asking her out the very next day, and Hannah said yes.
For two years, they maintained a long-distance relationship, navigating the challenges of separation while building a deep emotional connection. Eventually, Shane moved to Minneapolis, where the couple began living together. Hannah became Shane’s primary caregiver, a role that often surprises or even saddens people who don’t understand the dynamics of such relationships.
Redefining Caregiving and Intimacy
Rather than viewing caregiving as a burden, Hannah and Shane emphasize that their relationship is built on mutual respect, shared goals, and emotional support. They show that caregiving and intimacy can coexist, challenging the idea that one must be sacrificed for the other.
Their story is not just personal; it’s also a powerful message about the importance of normalizing disability in everyday life. They are not afraid to share their experiences, whether it’s the daily challenges of living with a disability or the joys of a loving partnership.
Building a Platform for Change
In 2019, the couple launched a YouTube channel called Squirmy and Grubs, named after the playful nicknames they gave each other early in their relationship. Initially, the channel aimed to document the challenges and humor of traveling with a disability. However, their content quickly gained traction, leading to viral videos and national media coverage.
One particular interview on another platform helped them reach hundreds of thousands of followers, giving them a platform to advocate for a more inclusive understanding of love and disability. Through their videos, they explore topics such as accessibility, representation, and the importance of challenging societal norms.
Expanding Their Impact
Since launching their channel, Hannah and Shane have used their growing influence to make a real-world impact. They have spoken at events around the world, partnered with major brands on diversity initiatives, and even co-authored a book titled Interabled: Love Stories.
Their mission remains clear: to help others unlearn harmful assumptions about interabled relationships. They believe that their story, like any other, is filled with love, laughter, and shared experiences. The only difference is that they also happen to be changing the way the world thinks about disability and relationships.
A Relationship Like Any Other
While their story is unique, it’s also deeply relatable. Hannah and Shane enjoy the same things as any other couple—they binge-watch shows, try new foods, go on adventures, and support each other through life’s ups and downs. Their relationship is proof that love knows no boundaries, and that disability does not define a person’s ability to form meaningful connections.
They continue to inspire others by showing that relationships, regardless of the circumstances, are built on love, respect, and shared dreams.
