Being disabled has the potential to make you feel alone. It’s easy to fall under the illusion that no one else knows what you’re going through or could possibly understand your situation.
However, it might be enlightening to learn that 26% of Americans are living with a disability of some kind. In other words, you are very much not alone.
Not only are disabilities surprisingly common, but there are plenty of people out there you can lean on for support. People who know exactly what you’re going through.
However, there are a few things nobody tells you about living with and coping with disabilities. We’re here to pull four important aspects of being disabled into the spotlight. Keep reading to learn all about them.
1. Disabilities Come in Many Forms
First, there are countless types of disabilities. Some are physical disabilities that require wheelchairs and other physical aids. Others are mental disabilities that make it difficult to learn, speak, focus, or integrate into social situations.
However, you might have a hidden disability. While this can make your life easier in some ways, it can complicate it in others. For example, some people might have a harder time showing empathy or compassion for a disability that isn’t apparent.
2. Specialized Adaptive Clothing Can Make Your Life Easier
Living with a disability can make regular daily activities more difficult. For example, if you have a physical disability, it can be challenging to get dressed each day.
Fortunately, many companies exist with the sole purpose of helping those adapting to life with a disability. You can find adaptive clothing created specifically to help people with physical disabilities get dressed with less effort and difficulty.
3. You Deserve Equal Respect
Though not everyone you know or meet will understand what it’s like living with a disability, you deserve equal respect from your peers, family, co-workers, and anyone else you come across. You’ll find that some people will look at you differently. Sometimes, they’re overly respectful or accommodating, which can actually make you feel worse.
Conversely, some people will make unfair assumptions about your physical or cognitive abilities. We urge you to take these negative interactions with people with a grain of salt. Remember that their ignorance surrounding disabilities is not a reflection of you as a person.
4. Having a Disability Doesn’t Have to Reduce Your Quality of Life
Finally, living with a disability can change the way you live your entire life. This will be an abrupt and upsetting change at first. However, just because you aren’t going to live the rest of your life the way you thought you would, it doesn’t mean your quality of life will be lower.
In fact, many disabled people find a new reverence for life. They come to understand what’s really important. You can do the same.
This might mean finding more fulfilling hobbies, diving deeper into your relationships, becoming a motivational speaker, etc.
Are You Living With a Disablity?
As you can see, there are a lot of things no one will tell you about living with a disability. Some are good, and some are bad. We hope you found this article both illuminating and motivating.
And if you want more lifestyle tips or advice, stick around. Our blog was created to help people from all walks of life find peace, happiness, and fulfillment. Check out some of our other articles before you go.
