Background Information

People think they’re omnipotent; they see a person using a wheelchair and think, “that could never be me.” Statistics state that 54 million Americans have disabilities. Anyone at any time could become permanently disabled due to an accident or serious illness. A disability has been defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a person’s functioning. Most people could never imagine how they would survive without the ability to walk, communicate, hear, or see.

What to do Right Now!

• The first thing I suggest is be thankful you’re alive because chances are, you are very lucky to have gotten to the point you are at now. Hopefully the worst is over and now you must learn to function with what you have left.

• Assess your abilities because chances are your abilities are still greater than your disabilities. Consider your most important needs such as food, shelter, and clothing then ask yourself if you need help shopping, cooking, and dressing. If so how much help, look into attendant care. If you need help in these areas do not fret, it may just be a temporary thing until you get you regain your strength. Also consider the accessibility of your house. Are there many steps? If so you may have to make some modifications. They do not have to be expensive.

• Look at financial issues. Can you return to work? If so what are some modifications you may need? If you are unable to perform the same type of work that you had, consider enrolling in higher education. Contact the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation they can help with financial issues pertaining to college or modifications to your existing worksite.

• Next consider transportation, will you need equipment for your vehicle? Will you need to learn to drive all over again on a specially equipped van? Again contact the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for this type of assistance.

• What about your socialization? Do you have contact with your old friends or are you isolating? If you become depressed that may present another set of problems. Look into getting involved with community activities. If you used to be athletic you can still do so.

• Contact your local center for independent living. This is an agency run by and for people with disabilities. They offer social programs, independent living training, peer counseling, advocacy and a multitude of other types of assistance.

• If driving is not an option look into public transportation or specialized para-transit services.

• If working is not an option look into Social Security Disability Insurance. Try working at home there are many internet programs which enable one to earn money while at home.

• Above all try to keep a positive attitude. That is a lot easier said than done; however, things do get better. Remember it could always be worse. Do not let your handicap, handicap you!
   

What to do next

• Stay positive and only be around positive people.

• Don't waste time fantasizing about what might have been. 

• Think about what you want to do for work.  If you enjoyed your last position and the industry you were a part of then you will want to focus your efforts to gain employment in that area.  However, if you think it's time for a change consider a career assessment test to see what you might have skills or aptitudes that would help in deciding you next career steps.

What can you learn from this experience?

Ask yourself (and be honest now) if you contributed in any way to being fired.  Were you often late? Did you fail to get work finished on time? If you can point to any actions on your part that played a role in this outcome think of ways to improve yourself so it doesn't happen again. Take classes, see a therapist, what ever it takes to change.