Lucas If you  are waiting for approval and acceptance you will be waiting for a long time learn that the hard way.

They continually question why I would do something like this when a lot of people have already started their careers.

What has other people career got to do with you and your choice?  Think about it you want to leave your mark behind even with a disability many people have all working limbs and organs and have no ambition in life. If I were you I would write down what I want to achieve and how I plan on doing it. I have noticed that sometimes writing down things helps it lets you think about your options.