Falling down, getting up
Every disability is different. My disability has to do with mobility. I don’t walk very well. I never have and never will. That does not stop me from doing what I want or need to do and it should not stop you either. I fall down sometimes. Once in a while I get hurt or maybe rub some skin off, but most of the time I just hurt my pride more than anything else. Remember it is not how many times you fall down that matters. It is how many times you get back up. - David Diggs
People stare
Have you ever had someone stare at you? I sure have and I would be lying if I said it never bothered me. It was much worse when I was a kid in school. Kids can be brutal when you are different and boy was I different. I have never been able to walk straight, far, or fast my entire life. How do you manage that? Well, you can assume the person staring at you has never actually seen a disabled person up close for one thing. You know, kind of like a Panda. You know they exist and you have seen them on TV but you never met one personally.
Here are a few ideas about what to do in this situation. You can take the opportunity to educate them about disabilities which I often do or you can ignore them altogether. Try not to be rude. That never helps you or them. What you absolutely should not do is to let them make your feel bad. Listen, if you are brave enough to get out where people can see you and live your life. You are not the person with the social problem. Remember that! - David Diggs
Waking up
Most people don’t like getting up in the morning to go to work. I don’t consider myself different in that respect. It is just something I know I must accomplish if I expect to make anything else happen for the rest of the day. What most non-disabled people don’t understand is that for someone with a disability waking up and making yourself move can be a huge challange. This is in addition to everything else that has to be done to get ready for your day that non-disabled people take for granted.
I find that using an electric toothbrush not only speeds up the process and causes less pain to my shoulder. It also keeps my teeth in better shape. Do you have any hints or tricks you would like to share with other disabled folks about getting your day started? - David Diggs
The Disabilty Survival Guide
I have always heard you should write about what you know. I know something about having a disability. I have been disabled since I was a year old. I don’t know any other way of life. This blog is my “Disability Survial Guide” and I am here to help you.
Are you disabled? Are you having a hard time and trying to figure out what to do next? Do you want to be independent? Do you want to work? Do you want to go to school to learn new skills so you can work? Chances are I can help you. I am disabled and I have done all of these things. - David Diggs
