For people who can relate.
After an unexpected incident, an accident, or a sudden illness that causes your entire life to change completely.
You just discovered that you would have to depend on using a wheelchair, crutches, walking frame, walking stick, or some mobility support.
Your entire life has changed in a blink of an eye.
It isn't only that you now have to adjust your lifestyle because of your disability. That's only one part of your transition.
There are a lot of unforeseen life-changing events that follow that no one tells us to be prepared for.
I am talking about a series of life changes after discovering that you are now disabled.
The first thing that follows is the loyalty of friends and family is tested.
Eventually, you will start to notice the people you once considered close friends and family members avoiding you, making excuses about why they can't be there for you at that moment.
Secondly, your lifestyle starts to become a recluse.
You don't want to go outside anymore, you start avoiding people, and your social life starts fading away.
There are a lot of changes that follow after suffering an illness or an accident that causes disability.
Trust me, I know from my own experience.
Imagine you're a healthy young fit individual with your entire life ahead, without a wonder in the world.
The furthest thing on your mind is that you'll end up in a wheelchair for the rest of your life.
And one ordinary day, bam! Out of nowhere, you have to learn to do things all over again and to learn to walk, talk, balance, eat, and even use the toilet.
Some people ridicule and belittle disabled people and sometimes make fun of someone disabled.
Not fully appreciating the struggles and pain people with a disability go through to fit in and live an everyday life
These are just a few struggles a person with a disability must endure. I am sure many of you reading can relate and would have similar stories to share about what you've been through simply because you're living your daily life.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention, as a wheelchair user, I am sick and tired of some random person coming up to me and talking to me as if I were a child.
Why would you assume I need assistance if you see me at the supermarket shopping alone?
This is another issue that sets me off; I appreciate that there are genuine people out there that show a bit of concern.
There is no reason for anyone to assume that someone with a disability can't comprehend or do things for themselves.
Understanding and accepting your disability early gives you the advantage of living an active, healthy, and socially productive lifestyle.