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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. As a
person who was born with a physical disability, I can offer insights on
this topic. Read my book “Cope With You Disability: Don’t Fall
Through the Cracks,” at www.infobility.net.
What to do first
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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If driving is not an
option look into public transportation or specialized para-transit
services.
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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.
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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!
If you have questions or
comments, feel free to contact me at
swheels@verizon.net
Susan Schaffer, the
founder of "Infobility" has a
masters degree in Rehabilitation
Counseling from Hofstra University. She
also has had a physical disability and
uses a wheelchair to ambulate. More
importantly, Susan believes strongly in
the concept of empowerment and sharing
information with others in order for
people to help themselves. Her
experiences include:
* Designing and implementing
employment skills programs.
* Designing and implementing
disability awareness programs.
* Discussing empowerment with
students and organizations.
* Conducting support groups on
mental health and related topics.
* Presenting disability awareness
programs to the community.
* Developing job opportunities and
providing on site coaching.
* Transcribing restaurant menus for
people with visual disabilities.
* Locating resources for people on
various disability related matters.
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If you are the parent of a
special needs child or a disability professional
Click Here for information of interest.
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