#living with disability

[disabilityhorizons]

Now available on Disability Horizons Shop!

#poor grip #disability gadgets #access all areas #disability #living with disability #disabilitylife #new ideas

[datamodel-of-disaster]

Sometimes I’m like, “Nah, I’m not like Those People (TM), I don’t really have sensory issues or anything like that.”

And then I realise that wearing heavily filtering ear plugs on my morning commute reduces my body aches and joint pains by like a factor 10 because normally my body tenses up so much from the unrelenting sharpness of all the ambient noise.

I do have pretty bad sensory issues. I just normalised being in low-level pain all the time.

…

So yeah. If you at any point notice a thread of derisiveness within yourself towards certain nitpicky, cringe, Obviously Neurodivergent types of accommodation…

Chances are you would benefit from that accommodation. Possibly immensely.

#disability #neuropunk #neurodivergent #living with disability #sensory issues #sensory processing disorder #autism #it’s not shameful to be disabled #trust me I am full of shame over Being This Way #and being one of Those People (TM) #but a kinder world starts with yourself #you gotta tell yourself it’s not shameful to be disabled #stop denying yourself things that make it easier #you deserve kindness

[seventyone-71]

I bought a cane the other week - which is the first time I've owned one - I never realized how much I was suffering without one, turns out I was spending so many spoons just moving around and I had no idea. I have so much more energy now it's crazy. Best 30 dollars I've spent in my life.

#pots #pots syndrome #disabled #invisible disability #disability #disabilties #mobility aid #mobility device #cane user #walking canes #spoon theory #living with disability #spoonie #im saving up for forearm crutches next

[sugarhai]

my disability is invisible not imaginary

stickers | clothes | coloring pages

#bunny #cute animals #kawaii art #cute #disability support #living with disability #emotional support #supportive art #supportive quotes

[homo-taylorsversion]

SMALL VENT

I have cerebral palsy. (And autism but that's unrelated right now.) And I'm in frequent pain. Literally, if one part of my body isn't hurting, another one is. I also struggle walking. Extremely clumsy and have a "limp" of sorts, always falling over. So, I've been thinking about something. I want to start using forearm crutches to help with that. So I can get around easier, especially on days where I'm in more pain. And/or AFO'S. (if you don't know what those are, their ankle foot orthoses. A brace that helps improve or correct lower limb issues by providing support to the limb, improving alignment, controlling motion, minimizing pain, and correcting or preventing the progression of deformities. 'boston orthotics and prosthetics')

But there's a few problems with this... I struggle with internalized ableism and self consciousness. But then there's the fact about doctors. I haven't been to a doctor's appointment for almost 6 years related to my cerebral palsy. (Though I'm supposed to too make sure it's not affecting anything else in my body). And on top of that, I'm in a completely new state so I'm not sure if they can get my records or how to ask the new one (once I actually see one) about it, because I've never asked for help about it before. I don't know how to bring up that I was forearm crutches and/or AFO's. That I know I need them.

#cerebral palsy #autism #autism spectrum disorder #cronic pain #physical pain #afos #forearm crutches #mobility aid #disabilties #living with disability #disabled #queer disabled #small rant #small ramble #movement disorder #small vent

[rielzero]

Saw this post shared on facebook.

The last point kinda sucks especially because around me people keep acting like exercise is a golden ticket to health.

While exercise can at times help me, for exercise to actually help me I need to have a good nights rest and not wake up with symptons from seasonal affective disorder. Forcing myself to exercise is actually disabling me during those days. And seasonal affective disorder is affecting me about every seasonal transition period. Sometimes its 2 weeks, but most years it lasts a month and I feel sick and tired, and its super difficult to get myself back to work.

I wish exercise fixed it. But it doesn't. It only helps when I'm not suffering from seasonal affective disorder. Which is only a small portion of the entire year. In between seasons.

Before there are assumptions around weight because I do know ppl who are fatphobic will assume it is a weight thing if you can't exercise.

I weigh consistently 66 kilograms. Just so you know.

Thats below average for my height and gender.

If i lost 6, I'd be bordering close to underweight.

Years ago I weighed 54 kilos and was underweight for years. You can train energy, you can get vitamin supplements, but if you're disabled like me, there is a cap. "Exceed your limits" is bullshit when all things I do drain my energy including the thing thats supposed to give me energy. You can't fix every problem in a way an abled person thinks you can.

But yeah thats about it.

Should I tag the original post maker? Sorry if this is a bother. @latter-day-saint-nick thanks for your post.

#living with disability #invisible disability #seasonal affective disorder #chronic disability #autism #neurodivergent #vent

[liveandletrain]

Explaining to people that one of the most formative influences on my style as a writer was Rosemary Sutcliff always feels like an exercise in futility because no one ever knows who she is :')

#rosemary sutcliff #rain rambles #she was a disabled english writer #from the 1900s #born in 1920 and died 1992 #who wrote primarily historical fiction #mostly based around preroman/roman/post roman britain #but has some other things as well #her most well known work is eagle of the ninth #because they made a channing tatum movie out of it #but i cannot stress enough how inadequately that movie tells the stories she told #living with disability #cross cultural friendships #cross cultural UNDERSTANDING #individual vs cultural conflict #she also wrote two different versions of arthuriana #one with a more fantasy twist #and one as part of her loose historical fiction series #sword at sunset is one of her only books strictly for adult readers #she was my introduction to king arthur #when i read sword in the circle when i was like eight

[crazycrippledqueer]

CCQ's Tips for Showering

I'm physically & mentally disabled & these are some things that have helped me with showering & some more general hygiene things.

-use a shower chair or stool

-long scrub brushes for your back & legs & anywhere else you can't reach

-grab bars/railings can be so helpful (and keeping a waterproof cane close by too)

-pivot transfer mats or transfer boards or one of those shower chairs that has a bit that sticks out of the tub to make transferring easier

-if you choose to shave, doing it with electric razor in bed

-unscented soaps & shampoos

-leaving caps of your soap bottles unscrewed so you can open them on your own

-flexible removable shower head on a hose

-if you're short like me & your feet dangle from shower chair even on the lowest setting, a plastic stool under your feet can make it much more comfortable

-grippy mat on tub floor to decrease chance of falls

-using the bathroom right before shower to decrease the chance of incontinence (mileage may vary depending on your particular situation)

-keeping all soaps & things in easy arms reach from the shower chair (there's baskets that adhere to the side of tubs ive found helpful)

-laying towels over yourself if being undressed is triggering for you (especially if someone else is helping you in the shower)

-this is personal preference but i like having a towel on my wheelchair so it isn't as bad of a sensory issue when i get out (and keeps my chair dry)

-play nontriggering media or media you know will keep your mind occupied (if it won't distract you to where you can't remember what you're doing)

-hang a laminated page of the steps of showering (however detailed you need to be). i haven't found a good way of marking off yet where i am in the process, but even still having it has been helpful to remind me what needs doing

-if you hurt from cold, using a space heater to warm the bathroom before shower time can be helpful

-leaning your head forward and resting your elbows on your knees to wash hair

-prioritize. i always do pits & privates first in case i start struggling too much physically or mentally & need to get out before i'm all the way done.

-having a shower day & no expectation of anything else getting done. that's thursday for me. it gives me a day i know will be for shower & the rest of the week (especially physical tasks) i plan around shower day. this also helps me plan infusion set changes (i don't like using sets that have gotten wet)

-laying a chux pad on the bed (over or under a towel depending on your preference) if you don't like putting brief on while you're still damp

-having a nice little reward planned can be nice. usually for me that looks like laying in bed & watching one of my favorite shows. nice to have something to look forward to for after

-also for after, if you get that bone cold hurt after showering, a heated blanket can help some

-if you have someone in your life you really trust, you can ask them to help. you can also hire an aide to help you

When I can't shower:

-no rinse soap is a lifesaver. i like whatever that generic pump one is from walgreens. baby wipes work okay, but not as well in my experience

-no rinse shampoo too. i've had the best luck with the cap types

-bidet on the toilet if you can swing it

-deodorant that works with your body chemistry

-clean clothes can go a long way if you can manage changing (or learning how to dress/undress without being uncovered, i usually put the new shirt/dress on over the old to stay covered)

I'm probably forgetting some things. If I remember anything else I'll update this list. Stay safe everyone 🤍

#hygiene #disabled #disability tips #living with disability #shower #actually disabled

[4ft10tvlandfangirl]

Original post date from Middle East Eye - November 5, 2023

Check this post for the transcript and video of Bisan talking more recently about persons with disabilities in Gaza and their unique struggle to survive the daily airstrikes.

The fact that we have to be constantly pleading peoples right to live is so frustrating and I know it's nothing new but still. We highlight the innocence of children and the vulnerability of children, of the elderly, of persons with disabilities but the truth is they're human and that should be enough. The imperial powers say otherwise and they take it a step further by dehumanising Palestinians at every turn so we have no choice but to highlight all these groups and humanise them as much as we can.

Palestine deserves to be free of the oppressor. Palestinians deserve every right granted to human beings. And you know what's a good first step to ensuring they have these rights? A PERMANENT CEASEFIRE. Free Palestine 🇵🇸

#persons with disabilities #hearing impaired #palestine #gaza #ceasefire now #end the genocide #end the occupation #crimes against humanity #human rights #free palestine #free gaza #from the river to the sea palestine will be free #current events #social justice #living with disability #sign language #permanent ceasefire #israel is a terrorist state #israel is an apartheid state #don't stay silent

[disabilityhorizons]

Extract: "Be aware that using air conditioning units is very expensive at home! It is much cheaper to use fans.

Other tips for keeping your home cool:

Keep Curtains and Windows Closed: During the hottest parts of the day, keep your curtains and windows closed. Use light-coloured blinds and curtains made of weighty fabric for the best heat-blocking potential.

Improvise Air Conditioning: Hang a wet sheet in front of an open window to cool the warm air as it enters your home. If you’re using a fan, place a deep dish of ice in front of it to create a chilled breeze. Point a box fan out of an open window in the evenings to push hot air out.

Manage Doors: Keep unused rooms closed during the day to focus your cooling efforts. Open your doors in the evening to facilitate air flow and prevent your home from feeling stuffy.

Install Reflective Window Film: This is an effective tool for keeping your house cool in summer by keeping the sun’s rays at bay.

Use Extractor Fans Cleverly: Use your extractor fans to rid your home of excess heat. Leave your internal doors open and let the fans run for a while.

Switch to Bamboo Bedding: Bamboo doesn’t absorb heat like traditional mattresses, making it a cooler option for summer.

Cover Leather Sofas: If you have leather sofas, cover them with a lightweight throw or sheet made of natural fibres to prevent sticking.

Use a Dehumidifier: A dehumidifier can pull the moisture out of the air and let your skin breathe better, helping to keep you cool."

Click link for full post

#disability gadgets #keeping cool #living with disability #hot as hell

[justtothesea]

personal stuff about being a carer pls feel free to ignore I just need to vent

some people in my life (friends/family) treat their work lives like this other secret identity that I couldn't possibly understand, because all I am is a carer.

like I can't empathise with their work hours or hard labour because I get to work from home - I don't have to deal with traffic or shady coworkers or long hours. I'm lucky. I "work" from home! and go to concerts whenever I want!

for years it's been like this. I am with the person I take care of 24/7, her disease is debilitating and incurable.

yeah, sometimes I *do* go out without her for a few hours to go see a show or visit my best friend, or go to therapy. (which, aside from therapy which is fortnightly and only for 50 minutes, i only go out without her like 2 or 3 times a *year*). and she *wants* me to do that.

I feel guilty and anxious and worry about it every time but also, I know i *need* it too. I've been taking care of her since I was 20 years old, and even a little younger than that - she was diagnosed when I was little and I was always aware that she would need me.

I love taking care of her and being with her. it's what I'm best at - but it's also taxing and I can't just go around to my siblings and say "man, you have no idea how hard my day was!" because they don't see what I do as real, valid work. It’s just what I'm *supposed* to do.

I get back injuries from lifting too. I get migraines from starting early too. only, my work is all day and night long and I get to be around my favourite person in the world every day. it doesn’t mean it isn't hard, or really scary sometimes. it is rewarding, but it's also stressful.

idk, I think therapy has helped me see it a little more clearly. I always felt inferior, like because I'm not doing a normal 9 to 5 or studying that I was really as lazy and useless as they subconsiously made me feel.

but I know what I do is worthwhile. I know it whenever I help her get dressed or brush her hair and she holds my hand.

it's the best job in the world.

#carer #personal post #venting #being a carer #disability #living with disability #parkinson's disease

[thepotentialof2007]

When I went to the gym this afternoon and saw all the patients with their broken or malformed bodies being manipulated and caressed by the physiotherapists, something in me changed.

I thought, if you only watch the news and tv shows, you would have the impression that the world is only a harsh place, inhabited by money-grubbing and narcissistic individuals. When you see the mutual work done in the gym, it is a place of beauty, collaboration and respect.

Many of the patients I have spoken to are aware that those on the outside world are appalled, if not afraid, of those with disabilities. It is as if having a disability were contagious, which it is.

Most of us at some time in our lives will suffer from a catastrophic health crisis which will make us feel isolated and afraid. But it is as if we want to believe that we live in a world of many healthy and well-functioning people. We do not.

We have convinced ourselves that there is a standard of the well and effective human being. This is deception, an ideology, which is deliberately misleading. It means that we cannot always see the disabled, just as in other circumstances we fail to see others of colour, or queers.

We should give up the standardised view of the world for a more complex view, which will include more people.

- author Hanif Kureishi, continuing to (often bluntly) journal life in hospital, in the wake of a paralyzing fall [x]

#hanif kureishi #living with disability #social theory #trauma #not perhaps the most interesting bit of his current writing #but the sort of thing #that bears reiterating

[akindplace]

I think somethings many disabled people want others to understand, especially doctors/therapists/nurses is that it's not up to someone else to disagree on how much our disabilities affect our lives and how much it hurts and how tiring it is to be us. It is not up to other people to determine if it is a big deal or not. You can disagree about how painful it might be, but don't force that opinion on another person. Respect disabled people when they say they can't do something, and insisting that they do it will not help them have a "breakthrough". You can't bully someone into being healthy when they literally can't.

#self-acceptance #living with disability #cw ableism #self-worth #recovery #original writing #validation

[chillart22]

I wish I lived in the future with android robots. Having an android as my personal caregiver would make 99% of my worries go away 😞

#living with disability #disabled problems #detroit become human

[starseers]

Me: I'm fake, I don't need a cane!

Me: *throws my cane down*

Me: *falls down with it*

#okay but i hate having good days only because they make me feel like a shitty person #and then theres the bad days and im sitting there convincing myself i can just snap out of it #spoiler alert: i cant ive tried #🛰️✶.*̥˚ #ugly queue tag <3 #tw fakeclaiming #disability #disabled #physically disabled #living with disability #cane user #idk tags i never really post this kind of stuff #disability memes #disabled life #disabled memes #disabled community #disability community

[datamodel-of-disaster]

This is the first time I've seen someone share this exact sentiment, and I'm weirdly relieved I'm not alone.

"I want to go home" is like an unending refrain in the back of my head.

I want to go home but home is not a real place.

Home is where no one wants anything of me, where I'm not failing any expectations, where I'm safe and cared for and able to breathe and enjoy myself. Where I don't have a clenching fist of responsibilities around my neck. Where I don't have to be scared of losing my job or not having enough money. Where I don't get paralyzed by the choice for what to do with my limited free time to the point of doing nothing with it. Where I can go to sleep without dreading the morning. Where I don't feel like I'm constantly fighting myself.

Home doesn't exist and it never did.

I want to go home.

#i want to go home #anxiety #adhd #adhd life #passive ideation #living with disability #im so tired #tw depressing thoughts #disaster thoughts