It seems kind of strange, even for someone like myself with a sociology background, that so many of us struggle to be individuals, different from the rest. While at the same time, we identify with so many groups that we are or want to be part of; democrat, Hispanic, nurse, housewives, gay, Christian, retired, etc.; we want to be part of 'the herd'.
        This association with specific groups seems to hold true in the world of disability, too. Depending on our diagnosis and current status, we usually associate with others having similar problems. I'm sure this has much to do with the fact that we are more comfortable with others who have similar issues because they understand what we might be experiencing or going through. We gain comfort and support in this way. 
        This disability culture frequently has it's own discrimination problems, too. How could that person with  a head injury possibly understand what it's like for us with spinal cord injuries? Kind of the 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer' thing; he can't join us in our reindeer games, he has a red nose. 
        As with all groups and people, we should try to be supportive to all as best we can. I pray that we focus more on what we have in common and less on our differences...
        

        Along with the many perspectives of accessibility, there is the 'reasonable accommodation' part to it. Reasonable accommodation can be defined as modifications or adjustments that provide access and do not create an undue burden. A good example of this is an older building with steps inside that prevent access to public portions of the building by people with mobility impairments. Instead of changing the building interior [this could be undue hardship on the owner], reasonable accommodations could be putting in a lift [elevator] or providing a portable ramp when it is needed. 
        The great thing about reasonable accommodation is that we all work together to make the environment user friendly for everyone in a fair way. Understanding and communication; now that's an idea...

        Accessibility. Being able to have access to our neighborhoods and all they offer. Handicapped Parking is probably one of the most well known accessibility 'rules'. Unless you have a qualifying disability and get a handicapped placard or license plate, you are not allowed to park in that parking place. As well as being well known, it is probably the most abused 'rule'. I'm sure we all have at least one story about handicapped parking. 
        Accessibility is usually viewed from the standpoint of a person who uses a wheelchair being able to get access to the physical environment. Ramps, wide doorways, door handles, rest rooms, etc. All of this stuff falls under the heading of 'Universal Design'. This design makes it easier for a pregnant woman, a family pushing a stroller of kids, the UPS guy with a loaded dolly, you get the idea.
         Accessibility is truly more than just getting in the door. We are talking about Equal Access. According to Wikipedia, : "equal access to social, political, and economic life  includes not only physical access but access to the same tools, services, organizations and facilities which we all pay for." It's a civil rights issue. Just because a person has a disability, they should not be discriminated against. Similar to rights for women, blacks and Hispanics in our society. 
        Let's not forget about how big an issue like this is. It's not just about parking...

        We do take for granted that medical science should be able to fix any problem. Thinking about my post yesterday, they can keep a body alive, so, why can't they fix all of our ailments? Can't they just give me a pill to make it all better?
        From what I see around the globe, the way people treat each other, illness knocking us down; I don't think I want to push things past my "best if used by" date. The wonder of medical science; too much and not enough... 

        Once again, I was listening to a story about someone being placed on life support due to having a failure of essential functioning of their neurological, respiratory and circulatory systems [nerves, lungs, heart]. As the machines keep his body alive, they have him drugged to ease his discomfort. He is in and out of understanding what is even happening to him. His family agonizes every day as they watch him exist, hoping he will turn the corner to becoming well.
        My parents have made their wishes known to all us kids. My wife and I are very clear about each others wishes. I can't imagine having to decide whether to use extraordinary measures to keep a loved one alive or not at that intense emotional moment. Even then, it would feel like your insides  were being ripped out.
         Please 'Have the Talk'. Be clear about whether or when extraordinary life saving measures should or should  not be used. To seal the deal, get a Living Will documented. Unfortunately, each one of us will have to make that decision at some time. Start a dialogue today...

        With all the  hassles and struggles I face with my disability, the toughest issues to overcome are the bowel and bladder problems. Poopin' and peein'. Your body absolutely requires that these activities take place. I can assure you that I have tried to keep them from occuring, [not  drinking, not eating] but, those approaches only make things worse.
        Being a guy, using an external catheter with a leg bag is a darn good system for dealing with bladder problems. Better than anything I've tried. No such opportunity with a bowel movement.
        My wife and I were  out shopping yesterday. I got up early, used the toilet and was successful, put on my catheter and headed out the door, confident of having a good trip due to successful preparation. Seven hours later, I could not believe that my body was telling me I had to go, again! As the old saying goes, accidents happen. Yeah, well, let's just say that it was a long ride home with the windows open.
        I don't know how others handle this, but, my activities have to stop so that I can get home, shower, do laundry and clean up anything else that was in my path of destruction. As I exited the bathroom at the mall, humiliated that I left some of my mess behind that someone else had to deal with; I vowed to my wife that I would never leave home again. Except that I am obligated to attend a wedding this Sunday. I'm already starting my anxiety motor...

        Social Security Disability Insurance [SSDI] is being presented by attorneys on their television commercials to be an entitlement to anyone that has some kind of disability. While it does fall under the heading of an entitlement program within the government, there is a list of very clear and specific criteria that need to be met to receive this benefit. [go to Social Security Adminstration for details] The first point being that is an insurance benefit that you must have paid into to be eligible to receive it. They mislead us.
        The second point that irritates me about these commercials is that it continues to promote the idea that if you have an illness or injury, you can't do anything ever again. Your last hope is to let the government take care of you because you're worthless. It lets them define how people with disabilities should respond and react to their situation; the lawyers will make sure that someone pays for your situation [even a facial scar].
        Last, they don't mention that should you use them to seek an SSDI benefit, they take 25% of your first benefit check. This check is usually larger than a monthly benefit amount because most receive this first one months after they became eligible.
        Just because you have a disability doesn't mean your life has ended, but, I'm sure it has changed.

        The second part to answering this question is that most of us don't know what we can truly do until those moments present themselves. Situations like these are regularly reported on the news. Man pulls accident victim out of fire, women keeps purse by hitting would be thief, child calls 911 after mother faints, amputee sets new record... How each of us reacts and responds to a particular situation doesn't necessarily show how you did it, but, it shows that we can.
        I don't wish any accidents or illnesses on anyone, however, when faced with a life changing situation, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish. Work hard, get support, seek help and git-r-dun! Maybe the question is not about how I do it, maybe it's How Will You Do It?

        When people reach a level of comfort with me, they frequently want to know, "How do you do it?" What they want to know is how do I keep going every day when I have to face so many struggles every day. I rarely think of myself as special; I'm just trying to make the most out of my situation. I don't want to lose my wife, family or friends by being a miserable person to be around. I want to be a productive, participating member of my family and the community. It's up to me to decide how to do that.
        I guess the answer to the question is that God has blessed me with the skills, support and desire to persevere through the tough times. The people that ask that question don't get to see me at my worst; the times of anger, frustration, fear and helplessness. Only the select few get to see how it's really done.

        I'm a member of Three Rivers Adaptive Sports; a local organization that promotes recreational activities for people with disabilities. They have a new monthly activity this summer. They have adaptive kayaks they will be launching for a day on the the Youghiogheny River. Something I really, really wanted to do. The problem being that I don't have enough body control to literally keep my head above water if I were to tip the boat, even with a floatation device. 
        There is a quote from a movie I enjoy that says: "I know I can't swim so I keep my butt out of the pool." That quote keeps nagging at me as I continue to rationalize every reason why I shoujld try it. It's a huge risk. Worth it? Maybe. Maybe not. Sometimes being disappointed and safe are the best choices. Not always.
        What do you think?