When many people think about someone with a disability, they picture someone in a wheelchair. The truth is, there is a wide range of disabilities that impact many different aspects of life. In fact, about 26 percent of people in the United States have some form of disability. If you’ve recently become disabled, then you might be struggling with the reality of living with a disability. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to help make your life just as vibrant as it was before. Read on to learn about living well with a disability.
- Find Support
One of the most important things you can do if you are disabled is to seek out support. Support comes from many different places. The most common form of support is through a counselor or a therapist, but there are other options, too.
Consider searching for support groups for people living with a disability, and, if possible, people with the same disability you have. Surrounding yourself with people who are going through the same things you do is incredibly validating. Further, they have plenty of experience to share if you find yourself having a hard time dealing with certain aspects of life.
- Be Patient with Yourself
Learning to adapt to your new life as a disabled person will have its ups and downs. It’s important to not let yourself get stuck in one of the down periods. Know that it is going to take time for you to adjust and learn how to live independently with your disability.
For that reason, give yourself some grace when you’re struggling. Over time, you’ll be able to get where you want to be.
- Adapt Your Home to Your Needs
Homes and apartments are designed for people who don’t have a disability. That doesn’t mean that you have to deal with a home that is difficult to live in. Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act, you can request reasonable accommodations be made to your home if you’re renting to support your needs.
If you own your home, then you’re free and clear to meet with a contractor to help adapt your home to make it easier to live in.
- Embrace Your Abilities
It’s easy to get caught up on what’s missing in your life when you’re disabled, but that’s not great for your mental health. One of the greatest ways to feel good about yourself as a person with a disability is to embrace what you can do.
For example, you might not be able to walk long distances, but you can still spend time outside with the help of things like a walker or a wheelchair. Anything you can do to add fulfillment to your life will go a long way toward building better mental health.
Living with a Disability Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult
You might not know it yet, but living with a disability doesn’t have to radically change the quality of your life. In fact, by following this guide to living with a disability, you might find that your life has more meaning than it ever has before. Patience and reliable support are key to happiness.
Are you interested in more awesome ways you can learn to live your absolute best life? We can help you with that. Check out the rest of our blog for tons of inspiration!