Seeler
Well-Known Member
I don't have the stats, but from my own observances I can imagine some of the problems people face when living with disability.
Many of them seem to live in poverty - a large percentage of the people who come to the church where I volunteer have health problems severe enough that they are unable to work.
At the same time their expenses may be higher
They may need aids for mobility, for reaching, for personal care (a friend with Parkinsons has support bars installed all around his home so he can reach from one to another to get from the bed to the bathroom, livingroom, kitchen)
They may need a personal attendant for a few hours or full time
Buildings that should be accessible are not always so - ramps are poorly designed or placed, or not cleaned off after storms. Doors are hard to open. Elevators are not always available. Not enough bathrooms have hand rails to assist with support. (I ran into this problem at our newly built Y when a woman in a wheelchair reprimanded me for using the only handicapped shower stall.)
They may need a three-wheeled bicycle for recreation or transportation
There are probably ways that other people can be sensitive to their needs, comfort, and happiness - like talking to them directly rather than to their companion (this happens with old people too); or sitting down to talk to a person in a wheelchair so that she doesn't have to look up all the time. Being patient when they require a little extra time. Holding doors. Including them in conversations, inviting them to events, offering transportation, carrying a bowl of soup (a big help to me at church luncheons). Asking their opinion. Asking for their help. (A blind man has recently taken over one of the positions on our church council.)
This is a thread for people to share what it is like to live with disability and how others can help - including advocacy. (My church is pushing for better public transportation in this city - perhaps because one person living with a disability keeps bringing it to our attention.)
Many of them seem to live in poverty - a large percentage of the people who come to the church where I volunteer have health problems severe enough that they are unable to work.
At the same time their expenses may be higher
They may need aids for mobility, for reaching, for personal care (a friend with Parkinsons has support bars installed all around his home so he can reach from one to another to get from the bed to the bathroom, livingroom, kitchen)
They may need a personal attendant for a few hours or full time
Buildings that should be accessible are not always so - ramps are poorly designed or placed, or not cleaned off after storms. Doors are hard to open. Elevators are not always available. Not enough bathrooms have hand rails to assist with support. (I ran into this problem at our newly built Y when a woman in a wheelchair reprimanded me for using the only handicapped shower stall.)
They may need a three-wheeled bicycle for recreation or transportation
There are probably ways that other people can be sensitive to their needs, comfort, and happiness - like talking to them directly rather than to their companion (this happens with old people too); or sitting down to talk to a person in a wheelchair so that she doesn't have to look up all the time. Being patient when they require a little extra time. Holding doors. Including them in conversations, inviting them to events, offering transportation, carrying a bowl of soup (a big help to me at church luncheons). Asking their opinion. Asking for their help. (A blind man has recently taken over one of the positions on our church council.)
This is a thread for people to share what it is like to live with disability and how others can help - including advocacy. (My church is pushing for better public transportation in this city - perhaps because one person living with a disability keeps bringing it to our attention.)