Around one in four Americans are living with a disability, according to estimates from the Center For Disease Control. In numbers, that equates to about 61 million Americans with disabilities. Whether it is in the form of an invisible illness like lupus and autism, or a visible disability like cerebral palsy or down syndrome, everyday life for those living with these conditions can look drastically different. Whether it is struggling to maintain your independence or gain employment, navigating the challenges that come with having a disability can be tricky. But by taking the right steps and implementing the right support, you can lead an independent and happy life, regardless of your disability.
Create A Strong Support Network
A
strong support system is instrumental in helping you achieve your
dreams of independence when living with a disability. In addition to a
strong circle of friends and family that provide moral and emotional
support, you should also seek professional help in the form of a home
care aide and a therapist to help you navigate the mental stresses of
living with a disability. Reaching out to organizations that support people with disabilities can
also provide you with important information and a chance to connect
with others in a similar situation. Whether you are a parent seeking
answers or treatments to help your child cope with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, or you’re an adult looking for rehabilitation options, these organizations can give you the right information.
Get Your Financial Pillars In Place With Financial Aid And Employment Options
Living
independently also comes at a cost, including the cost of continuous
medical care and necessities like rent, food and utilities. However, for
many people with disabilities, their condition may impact their working
abilities, leading them to have erratic or part-time
employment. However, with the right financial planning and access to the
right financial resources, you can successfully manage your finances
with a disability.
Start
with your employment options. Many employers are now proactive about
hiring people with disabilities, and you can check the Jobs and Education for People with Disabilities website
for help with securing a federal job. You will also want to do your
research on the eligible funding and financial aid opportunities
available to you. For instance, you may be eligible for Medicaid for
Adults or Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which
helps children of families that cannot afford healthcare insurance. This
can help you with covering the costs of medical equipment, repeat
medications, and home care services.
Make Your Home Your Own With The Help Of Disability Friendly Adjustments
In
a past report by Disabled In Action, it was estimated that only 23
percent of those with a non-severe disability live alone or with
non-relatives. For those with a severe disability, that number was 28
percent. Maintaining independence at home has long been a hurdle for
those living with a disability, forcing many to give up on the
possibility of living alone.
However,
with a few adjustments, having an independent home life can often be
possible. Homeowners or tenants with disabilities should ensure their
doorways and steps are conducive to the use of wheelchairs or other
mobility equipment if needed. Installing ramps and handrails in places
like the bathroom can also reduce the risk of injuries such as falls.
Finally, if you have difficulty moving around easily, it may be best to
ensure your home is free of clutter and has easy access to a mobile
phone or medical aid device, should you need it.
If you are worried about paying for these modifications, research some of the many resources that provide home modification financial assistance for
disabled people, such as Rebuilding Together and various state programs
that pay for home modifications. For veterans or ex-servicemen, the
most popular ones are Heroes For Homes and the HISA Grant.
Leading
an independent life with living with a disability does not need to be a
myth. While the strategies vary according to your disability and
severity, there is a vast amount of help out there that can help you
achieve your dream of independence. With their help and a bit of
determination of your own, there is no reason why you cannot lead a rich
and fulfilling life all on your own.