Among Citizens: Living With a Disability

There comes a time in everyone’s life when we are forced to reflect on the meaning of our existence. At times, we feel victimized by the circumstances that present themselves on this journey through life. Somewhere in the drama of living we are faced with a crisis that turns our lives upside down. We seek answers to such troubling questions as: What went wrong? How could this happen? Why me?

One such crisis is living life with a specific disability and the realization that ongoing medical treatments will be necessary to maintain life. We struggle and rage that life is unfair, that this setback was not part of our life plan. The foundation of our life has been shaken. What was stable, secure, and predictable is gone. Nothing feels right anymore. But remember that life is full of change. Change is essential. Unfortunately, many people have the mistaken belief that they can control everything around them, but that is an illusion. Attempting to control other people, circumstances, and things will leave us feeling exhausted and isolated. It is to our detriment to hang on to the old when the new is knocking on the door. Change can be very exciting. Embrace the spirit within yourself and open yourself to embracing the spirit in others. Get on with your life. Spark that inner light. It does not depend on outer circumstances. Take an inventory of current habits and start to make choices that will positively affect the outcome of any situation in your life.

Although many medical advances have been made in the treatment of several disabling health conditions, the emotional effects of a disability on patients and their families remain great because many areas of everyday living have to be changed. This guide is to help find effective coping strategies for patients, families and caregivers.

The national organization on disability reports that more than 54 million Americans have a disability. This article is for anyone—with or without a disability—who wants to interact more effectively with people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 was conceived with the goal of integrating people with disabilities into all aspects of American life, particularly the workplace and the marketplace. Sensitivity toward people with disabilities is not only in the spirit of the ADA, it makes good ethical and business sense. It can help you expand your practice, better serve your customers or develop your audience.

When society uses disability etiquette, individuals with any type of disability feel more comfortable and feel like “they belong”. Practicing disability etiquette is an easy way to make people with disabilities feel welcome. You don’t have to feel awkward when dealing with a person who has a disability.

This article provides some basic tips for you to follow. And if you are ever unsure how to interact with a person who has a disability, just ask! The one thing that you, as the reader, should take away from this article, is that Just because someone has a disability, don’t assume he/she needs help. If the setting is accessible, people with disabilities can usually get around fine. Adults with disabilities want to be treated as independent people. Offer assistance only if the person appears to need it. And if he/she does want help, ask how before you act. This article is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with a disability.