Anyone can have a disability, and they don’t necessarily need to be visible in order to affect someone’s life in a significant manner. For this reason, the chances of you knowing, and perhaps even deeply caring about someone in your life that happens to have a disability is quite high.
No matter if you make a friend with a disability, fall in love with someone who is disabled or becomes disabled, or is in charge of caring for someone with a condition, it’s important to inform yourself as to the full range of their needs, so you can apply that practical assistance appropriately.
It also means learning to overcome any biases or misconceptions you have, so you can easily be the right person in their life, or at least help them better connect with those that are. In this post, we’ll discuss how to begin that journey more readily, its worth, and where you may wish to begin.
Without further ado, please consider some of the following advice going forward, and see just what difference an informed individual can make:
Consider The Extent Of The Condition & Get Direct Guidance
Of course, it’s important to make sure you know the specifics of the condition and what it entails, as well as knowing that not all symptoms will happen to all people. Direct guidance can often come from medical professionals and discussing the disability directly with the person who you trust, and who trusts you, keeping in mind that they’re free to divulge as much of their experience as they feel comfortable with, and aren’t obliged to educate anyone.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Appropriate Questions
Asking questions, provided they’re well-meaning and with the intent of properly curating your conduct around the person in question can be a big help. For the most part, those with disabilities will be more than happy to help dispel misconceptions or properly discuss their daily challenges with you if you’re offering your assistance. So for instance, a good friend who may be in a wheelchair will no doubt tell you how to help them and where they may need to go when attending a football game for the first time with you. Provided your questions are suitable, you’ll see a positive reception.
Defer To More Equipped Disability Services & Assist With Accessing Them
Sometimes, it’s appropriate to understand where the end of our caring limits, or of course, if they’re not necessarily required or wanted. Speaking to disability support services can help you arrange better, more well-equipped and trained staff to aid with your friend or relative’s needs. This may help you better equip your home with lifts for those who have muscular dystrophy, for instance, or provide meal services to lighten your care load should you need that to take place. In the long run, you will learn so much alongside the person you’re responsible for, or have in your life, and it will show your willingness to be a helpful aid, but also a loyal connection.
With this advice, we hope you can more easily inform yourself about a disability for the benefit of someone you truly care about.
Photo by Kampus Production: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-sitting-on-a-bench-while-having-conversation-8777832/
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
