Tag: Disability Awareness

Hey there, Today, I want to share some advice with you, even though I’m not an expert on anything specific. I thought it might be helpful to talk about something we’ve all experienced at some point: dating. But before we dive in, I want to make a couple of things clear.

Firstly, some individuals might not fully understand or grasp the concept of relationships due to their disabilities. It’s important to be mindful of this and ensure their protection. This post isn’t aimed at them.

Secondly, I didn’t start this blog to find dates. My goal is to break down barriers related to disabilities, and dating is a topic that often sparks controversy. Lastly, disabilities affect each person differently, so not everything I say may apply to everyone. With that said, let’s jump into some tips for starting a relationship when one or both partners have a disability.

‭Ephesians 6:12 NIV‬ [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 

• Communication is key. Make sure to talk openly and honestly with each other. Taking care of each other goes beyond just the physical aspects.
• Don’t Fear the Disability: It might seem daunting at first, but understanding how the disability affects your partner is crucial. Don’t let fear hold you back from building a strong relationship.
• Ask Questions and Learn Together: Don’t hesitate to ask questions and learn from each other. Assuming things can create distance between you two.
• Encourage Self-Independence: It’s important for both partners to maintain their independence. Constantly challenge each other to grow and become more self-aware.
• Be Prepared for Society’s Reaction: Sadly, not everyone is accepting of relationships involving people with disabilities. Stay patient and educate those willing to learn.
• Stay open-minded: People with disabilities often have unique perspectives. Keep an open mind and embrace different ways of seeing the world.
• Find Joy in Laughter: Life with a disability can be stressful, so don’t forget to laugh together. Enjoy the good times and support each other through the tough ones.
• Love the Person, Not the Disability: If you’re in love with someone with a disability, love them for who they are, not their disability. It’s an important part of them, but it doesn’t define them.
• Seek support from the disability community. Remember, you’re not alone. There’s a whole community out there ready to offer support, resources, and understanding.
• Sex Can Work: Yes, sex can be a part of your relationship. Just communicate openly and find what works best for both of you in a safe and consensual manner.
• Remember, people with disabilities are just that—people. Treat them with the same respect and consideration you would anyone else. Take care, and feel free to leave any comments or questions below!

Hey everyone! How are you doing today? I have something to share with you: I wasn’t always into advocacy. When I was growing up, I thought advocacy was just something my parents did to make sure I had what I needed from my school. To me, people who did advocacy seemed like they were just loud and not really helpful. My parents did a great job treating me like any other kid. They celebrated when I did well and corrected me when I made mistakes. They made sure everything at home and everywhere else was set up so I could do things on my own, like having a low bed I could easily get in and out of.

My family accepted my disability because it was all they knew about me. I even played baseball with other kids who had disabilities. But my family also knew that the world wouldn’t always make things easy for me. They enrolled me in regular classes at a public school. That’s when I learned about what I call “the Disability Paradox.”

Advocacy is about teaching people and changing their minds about things they’re not used to. Even though we have laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it doesn’t mean everyone with a disability is treated equally. Think about it: When a mom is expecting a baby, she hopes the baby will be “healthy.” But what does that mean? Why should having a disability be seen as a bad thing?

Did you know that Franklin D. Roosevelt used a wheelchair because he had polio? He hid it by using special braces on his legs, even though it was really painful. But even now, many people with disabilities still feel like they have to hide who they are. People have done amazing things like going to the moon and building tall buildings, but there are still a lot of people with disabilities who don’t get the help they need.

We talk about big issues like climate change, but sometimes the solutions don’t work for everyone. Imagine not being able to drink a lemonade on a hot day because of a ban on plastic straws. This is something that could’ve been avoided if people with disabilities were included in the decision-making process.

We’re not just here to inspire or be pitied. We’re part of society just like everyone else. But why don’t we see more people with disabilities in positions of power? We’re more than just a feel-good story during prom season.

Lots of people have disabilities, but society often sees us as broken and needing to be fixed. But we’re not broken. We just need the same chances as everyone else.

This is just the beginning of many conversations we need to have. It’s okay if you don’t understand at first. Just listen and learn. Once we all know better, we can all do better.