Understanding the Experience of Disability for Able-Bodied Individuals

As an able-bodied person, it can be challenging to navigate the experiences of those with disabilities. Often, the only thing you need to remember is that the person suffering is a human being, deserving of kindness and respect, whether their disability is visible or not.

Disability Can Affect Anyone

It's important to understand that disability can affect anyone, regardless of their past health or behavior. In my case, I was affected by a mysterious disease that caused my body to overreact in some way.

Using a wheelchair or crutches can be a daily struggle. Doors, curbs, and uneven surfaces can be significant obstacles. Surprisingly, most people are incredibly helpful when you need assistance.

Mobility and Efficiency

For individuals with limited mobility, every movement becomes a strategic exercise in efficiency. When I need to move from one location to another, I have a checklist of tasks to accomplish in the most efficient manner. For instance, I need to use the bathroom and get a drink from the kitchen to stay hydrated. I also need to put on a sweater. How do I do all this without wasting energy and moving in a circuitous manner? Every trip is like a small adventure in efficiency.

Hidden Disabilities

Sometimes, people with invisible disabilities face discrimination. For example, someone might be disabled because they have a heart condition or are in extreme pain, and can only walk a short distance. These individuals may not use a wheelchair or cane, making it difficult for others to identify their need for assistance.

The issue of parking in disabled parking spaces can be a point of contention. Sometimes, people yell at others who are parking in disabled spaces, assuming that they must have a noticeable disability. However, these assumptions can be harmful and inaccurate, as some disabilities are invisible and not immediately apparent.

The Impact of Disability on Daily Tasks

Individuals with limited mobility often need to plan their day with efficiency in mind. For me, every trip involves multiple steps, from moving from my wheelchair to getting a drink, and putting on a sweater. This is in stark contrast to the time it takes for able-bodied individuals to accomplish the same tasks.

I’ve known many people with different “disabilities” that the majority population might consider burdensome. Some people find these conditions difficult to live with, while others have adapted and find them manageable. For instance, IBS caused by joint hypermobility, which was mild but led to sprains and, ultimately, arthritis. This condition is not a disability in my eyes, and I consider myself able-bodied, despite some health challenges.

Insights and Reflections

What can we learn from these experiences? The first takeaway is that very few people are perfectly and completely able-bodied. Life can be unpredictable, and anyone could become disabled at any time. Therefore, it's crucial to be mindful of our actions and support those who need it.

Another important lesson is that knowing one person with a disability means understanding one person with a unique experience. Generalizations can be harmful. Some places should have certain accommodations, like curb cutaways and Braille copies of printed materials, even if they don't receive advance requests. Every person with a disability has unique needs and preferences, regardless of the label they might have.

Conclusion

Understanding the experiences of those with disabilities is crucial for able-bodied individuals. By acknowledging the humanity and unique challenges of those with disabilities, we can promote a more inclusive and supportive society. Whether hidden or obvious, the needs of people with disabilities should always be respected and accommodated.