We all know that we need food, water, and air to keep living. It might be a long stretch but being disabled and having independence is on the list too. Even if you don’t have a disability, think about how you don’t have a car or its broken down and you have to depend on someone to drive you around everywhere. It gets annoying, but it’s temporary. Get a job, work hard and sooner or later you’ll back behind the wheel in your own whip. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy when you have a disability. How independent you are depends on the type of disability, how stubborn you are, and how ignorant others are around you.
Just because you see an individual with a disability doesn’t mean they can’t do anything for themselves. Some people try to help because we’re holding things up or think we can’t do it and then there are others who genuinely want to help. Most disabled individuals will ask for help, if they need or want it. With that being said, that doesn’t mean that you sit and watch them struggle doing something, but just pause for a second to see if they got it. I think of the things that causes me anxiety is when I’m lowkey struggling with something in public and I know there’s people around watching and I just can’t get it. One of two things happen, either I end up getting the job done or someone offers to help. Then one of two other things presents itself either I accept the help or choose to struggle. Depending on the day, is what determines the choice I choose.
Being disabled makes my world a little smaller than I’d like it to be sometimes and my independence is something that I try not to take for granted and I ask that you do the same. I’m not saying any of this to make you feel bad, but the small tasks that are accomplished by some disabled individuals is one of their biggest accomplishments to name. Next time you do a simple task such as putting on a shoe, taking a shower, or even eating; think about the next person you meet that may not be able to do that.
#stillRising
#stillRising 