Accessibility

There are certain things that people with disabilities deal with every day.  It varies from person to person, but one similarity is that we all face certain myths and stereotypes about us.  Most of these myths are outdated ways of thinking, but are still around nonetheless. Today, I hope to debunk some of these myths and explain why they are harmful to people with disabilities.

Myth 1: You Can Tell We Are Disabled Just by Looking at Us

You can’t tell if someone has a seizure disorder on sight alone, for example.  There are visible and invisible disabilities, which lots of people often forget.  Thinking that you can tell just by looking at someone is harmful and perpetuates the stereotype that disability looks a certain way.  Some people use walkers, some use wheelchairs, some don’t need a mobility device. Some people are in pain all the time. The scope of disability is so vast that to try and tell someone “they don’t look disabled” is rude.  You can’t tell, much like you don’t know what someone’s name is without being told.

Myth 2: We Know That Guy You Used to Go to School With 

No, I don’t know your cousin’s best friend from 15 years ago who “either had a hearing aid or was blind, I can’t remember.”  Do you know everyone with your eye color? With your name? There are a few things wrong with this assumption. There are almost 50 million people in the United States with some form of a disability.  I don’t know that many people, and don’t know anyone that does. Then if we narrow that number down to people who have my same (or similar) disabilities, it’s statistically unlikely. There’s not a magic club, we don’t all have matching jackets–as cool as that would be.

I do want to add, in my experience, this myth has become frustratingly more and more true.  There are tons of Facebook groups to be part of, I’ve found myself saying “Oh yeah, I know them!” more often.  This is a blessing and a curse, really. While it’s good to have a support system of like-minded individuals, it’s not helping the “we don’t all know each other” sentiment.

Myth 3: Yoga is a Magic Cure-All

No.  It’s not.  It might help a bit, but yoga’s not going to get rid of the disability altogether.  And chances are, we know this from experience. Most people offer this (or similar) as advice like they’re the first to think of it.  Chances are, we’ve heard it five times that day.  It’s nice of you to try and offer help, but we know our bodies.  If we say yoga doesn’t really do much, but our medication does, please leave it at that.

Myth 4: We Sit at Home All Day Because We Want To

Trust me, there are days when staying in bed all day sounds like the best idea ever.  But doesn’t everyone? I’d love to be able to go out everyday and knock out my todo list, but there are multiple things standing in my way (no pun intended).  First and probably most important, I need help. Lots of people with disabilities need assistance getting out of the house, but not enough assistance to actually do so.  I have a certain number of care hours a day, and need to get certain things done in that time. Disabled people also often get tired easily. We may want to go out and do something, but we use up our energy for the day.

Myth 5: We Did The Thing, We’re Healed!

Just because we did something we don’t normally do doesn’t mean we can do it perpetually.  There are people who can lift 500lbs, but having them do that repeatedly is bad for their bodies.  It’s a similar situation. Just not as spectacular. Sometimes you just have a good day and can walk a bit instead of using your wheelchair.  Sometimes you can barely get out of bed because you’re in so much pain. What we’re able to do on any given day fluctuates, sometimes even within a given day.

Myth 6: My Friends Are Saints for Being My Friend

My Friends Are Saints for Being My Friend. Trust me, they’re not.  I love my friends, but they don’t deserve a Nobel prize for being my friend (although we do joke about that).  This sentiment is awkward and frustrating to both the person with a disability and their friends. My friends like me because I’m funny, kind, and usually have snacks.  My wheelchair has zero to do with my disability. Heck, I have friends that I met online first, and we were friends long before they knew I was disabled. 

Myth 7: We Are An Inspiration For Going to the Shops

I have been called an inspiration for entering Walmart.  If needing snacks for a road trip to a concert is inspiring, thank you.  But I’m wondering why doing something so trivial as going shopping is inspiring?  Is everyone in the shop an inspiration?

Myth 8: We Have to be Watched At All Times by Our Carer

I would lose my mind if I didn’t get any alone time.  There are extreme cases where this is true, like for some people with vents who may need constant help. But even that isn’t true for everyone.  Most people with disabilities can and will do things independently whenever possible. If you see us in public alone, don’t worry. We know what we’re doing.

Myth 9: We Can’t Do [Thing]

If I could count the number of times I’ve heard “you can’t do that in a wheelchair”, I’d be here all day.  I’ve done rock climbing, zip-lining, and horseback riding just to name a few things. I went to college on my own.  I have friends with more severe physical disabilities than I do that have gone sky-diving. Trust me when I tell you, if someone wants something bad enough, they’ll figure out a way to get it.  Disability doesn’t even factor in.

Myth 10: The Only Disability is a Bad Attitude

This is a simple explanation:  No amount of positive thinking is going to make me walk.  Trust me, I’ve tried.

Wheelchairs come with the bare essentials.  We don’t get choices of seat-warmers, back-up cams, or a lot of things cars do.  But that doesn’t mean our wheelchairs can’t be made functional. Out of necessity, people add modifications to their wheelchair, scooter, and other mobility devices to give them more features.  Some are expensive and unnecessary, like attaching a nerf gun to your chair, but others help with everyday life and independence.  Not all modifications need to be complicated to set up. In fact, some of the best ones are easy to install and cost less than $50.  

Cup Holder

I always try and keep water or a drink with me, but it’s not easy to carry.  Having it in my bag is fine sometimes, but I can’t always reach it. There are all kinds of cup holders made with clamps for things like bicycles that work great on wheelchairs, and can be put wherever you want!   Pair it with an extra-long straw and you’ll never go thirsty again!

Selfie Stick

For people with limited strength, it can be challenging to hold up their cell phone for any length of time.  Having something that holds it, like a selfie-stick, and keeps their hands free gives them independence.  Being able to reach your phone is something that can be difficult for people with limited mobility, and having it easily accessible is essential. Selfie sticks are cheap, retractable, and can be fastened with zip-ties. Being retractable is handy for when the stand isn’t in use. 

USB Charger

This was something I didn’t know existed until recently, but I absolutely love it!  For those in power wheelchairs, there’s an adapter that plugs in where you charge your chair, and has a USB out.  This means you can charge your phone, tablet, or even power something small using your wheelchair’s battery.  From experience, it doesn’t drain your chair too terribly much. The big downside, is that when it’s plugged into your chair, the chair treats it like it’s being charged. So that means you’re stationary.  

Rim Lights

If you go out at night a lot, you probably have some sort of light or reflector on your chair to be seen by traffic.  Why not make it fun? There are all kinds of rim lights for bicycles, you can easily put those on your chair.  There are options that allow you to control the lights via your phone, which boosts independence even further.  They also come in many different colors, so you can customize your chair to fit your style. Safety doesn’t have to be boring, and neither does your wheelchair!  

Umbrella with Clamp

Unfortunately, power wheelchairs aren’t waterproof.  Getting them wet can cause wires to short-out and quit working.  Your life can’t be put on hold when it rains, so you need to be able to still go out.  There are many wheelchair-friendly umbrellas that are longer and have a clamp so that you don’t have to hold them.  These umbrellas keep your whole chair dry, not just the center.

Wheelchairs and other mobility devices are expensive, but that doesn’t mean we should deal with their shortcomings.  There are many simple modifications to make your chair work for you. We’ve mentioned a few inexpensive ways to improve the function of your wheelchair, but there’s many more ways to make your chair more functional.  What are some mods you’ve made to your chair? Comment below!

There are so many items we use or see everyday that have its roots in disability accessibility.  Some are more obvious than others, while there are some that most people don’t realize what the original intent was for.  When these items make it into the mainstream, it allows for cheaper pricing and easier access for those who need them. Even if the original intent for these items gets lost, it’s great that those who need these items now have easy access.  The internet has helped immensely, with social media allowing these products to go viral. Today we will discuss five common items you might not realize were originally designed for people with disabilities.

Snuggie

Snuggies were a big “joke gift” at the holidays several years ago, and you’ll still see them in shops sometimes.  They come in all kinds of colors and patterns, from plain blue to camo to the logo of your favorite football team.  But did you know these blankets with arms were designed with disability in mind? It’s true! Think about it: snuggies are warm and easy to put on.  For someone who uses a wheelchair and has limited movement, this is a great jacket alternative!  

Pencil Grips

Remember in grade school, those rubbery things you’d put on your pencil to make them softer to hold?  What if I told you that those pencil grips were originally designed for people who have difficulty holding a pencil?  It’s true! These grips come in all different shapes and sizes, which can be used with all different levels of motor function.  These grips also come in fun colors, which can make it easier to get children using them. It can be hard to get kids to use things that are different than what their peers use.  The fact that these grips are so mainstream is fantastic, because kids don’t feel like they stick out when using them.

Fidget Spinners

Here in America, fidget spinners got extremely popular in 2017, which was both a good and bad thing.  First, the original use of a fidget spinner is for those with ADHD, anxiety, or other similar disability to help them focus.  They were fantastic tools to keep people engaged in class, meetings, or whatever they may be doing. With them becoming a trend, the original use seemed to be forgotten.  Fidget spinners, as well as lots of other fidget toys, were getting banned from schools. Kids who genuinely needed and benefited from them could no longer use them. While it’s great that these devices became more widely available and acceptable, it’s important to remember that there are people who need them.

Weighted Blankets

Who doesn’t love a nice warm, heavy blanket to snuggle under on a cold night?  Weighted blankets have recently become a new fad, and are showing up in shops more and more.  But did you know weighted blankets were originally designed to help people with disabilities? These blankets have a number of benefits for different medical conditions and disabilities, including:

• Helps combat stress and anxiety
• Alleviates restless-leg syndrome
• Aids in Sensory Processing disorder
• Helps people with ADHD focus

These used to be extremely expensive and hard to get, but the fact that someone can now get one at their local Target is amazing.  

Robo Twist Jar Opener

This item was advertised to the elderly, but it is also a great device for anyone with limited strength.  If this device weren’t mainstream, and only advertised to people with disabilities, it would easily be sold for $100 or more.  But because there’s now a wider market, the price is able to be lowered to $20 on Amazon.

All of these products were made with disability in mind.  Their popularization has made it easier for those who need them to get them.  This breaks down barriers of price, knowledge of the product, or public perception.  Sometimes products can get too mainstream, like fidget spinners, but keeping disability in mind can help those who truly need these products keep them.

It’s been a few months since we interviewed individuals with disabilities in the workforce for our blog, and I can think of no better person to bring them back than with Jacob Huff.  I’ve known Jacob for over ten years, and he’s one of my best friends. He has grown so much since I met him, and I’m proud to call him my friend.

Tell me a bit about yourself, what you enjoy doing in your free time, and your disability. 

I currently live in Beavercreek Ohio.  I graduated from Centerville High School in 2013 and started attending Wright State University in the fall of 2013.  I am active in my church where I have participated in leadership roles for Vacation Bible School, volunteered in their food pantry, (First Dawn Food Pantry), and I currently help facilitate the church’s Facebook live chats during their Sunday services.  I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, going to live music events and other performing arts, working out/exercising, and singing. I have Cerebral Palsy, which affects the muscles and mobility in the body. It is a birth defect caused by a lack of oxygen in the brain at, or shortly after birth.  How it affects each person, including the severity depends on where the lack of oxygen occurred in the brain and how long it lasted.    

What do you do for a living?

I am a Licensed Social Worker at the Area Agency on Aging in Dayton [Ohio] working in their intake department.  

Why did you choose that job or career?

I decided to become a Social Worker because I want to devote my career to helping others.  Having a disability, there were many times growing up where I wanted to help out, like doing things around the house or yard work, but couldn’t due to my physical limitations.  Becoming a social worker has allowed me to help many people from different walks of life by using my personal strengths and abilities.

What do you love about your job and what do you find difficult?

I love that I get to help and impact so many lives each and every day.  The workload can be challenging at times, but it’s a great thing because that means that people know about our agency and are actively seeking help when they need it.  It’s great to see the amount self-advocacy I encounter each day.

What’s your favorite memory of your career so far? What are you most proud of?

My favorite memory so far would have to be going up main street in downtown Dayton to go to work on my first day.  Seeing the building as I was approaching it made me think of everything it took to get to that point.  It not only is my first job as a social worker, but it is my very first job ever. It is a very special moment I’ll never forget.  I am proud of how much I have grown as a professional in the short amount of time I have been working. I started the job on June 10 of this year.  Granted in the social work field and life in general, there is always something new to learn and the learning process is life long. However, for only been working there for 6 months, I have much more confidence in myself working in the field than I ever have. 

Did you go to college? Where did you go?

I went to Wright State University from the fall of 2013 to the spring of 2018.

What kinds of accommodations did your college give you, both in and out of class?

I received extended time on tests, my textbooks in alternate format, and an out-of-class reader/writer.

What was job hunting like? Do you think your disability had any affect on your job hunt?

It took me 11 months to get employed.  I actively job searched for 15 to 20 hours a week looking for open positions, applying for jobs, and sending resumes.  I do believe my disability affected my job hunt. Since I cannot drive, there were many that I could not apply for because the hours were not compatible with getting reliable transportation, or because the position required doing home visits.  It would be unethical for someone to drive me to the appointments.

What accommodations does your workplace provide? 

I am very fortunate that my work place was already extremely accessible.  The desk in my cubicle already had the accommodation to raise or lower, so I was able to put the desk at a height that was ideal.  An accommodation my work and I did was put the intake mail slot at a height where I can reach it so I can put my outgoing mail in the correct slot independently. 

What are some things that make your job difficult, in relation to your disability?

I cannot think of anything other than having to be in my chair the entire day can sometimes be hard because it can make my body stiff and sometimes cramp up.  It is certainly an adjustment, but it is slowly getting better.

What advice would you give to someone with a disability who wants to go into your field?

The advice I would give is to have patience and persistence.  Many people with disabilities know what it is like to need help either from another person or entity like an agency or organization.  Because of this, a social worker with a disability has the opportunity to practice much empathy with their clients, which is something that is extremely valuable for the clients they will work with.

We’ve talked a couple of times about accommodations in the workplace.  Accommodations allow your employees with disabilities to do their job and are often easy to fulfill.  With winter at our doorstep, or here already in some places, it’s time to talk about seasonal accommodations.  The colder weather brings with it a lot of factors that are hard on people with disabilities. It can mean getting sick easier, it can be hard on joints and muscles, and the snow can make it difficult to leave the house.  Allowing for extra accommodations this time of year is important so that your employees are still able to get their work done. These accommodations will more than likely be short-term, but should occur every year.

Start Time/End Time

This has been talked about on the blog before, but it’s extra important in the winter time.  Leaving the house in the winter adds a bunch of extra steps to the routine of someone with a disability.  Getting a jacket on alone can take upwards of 10 minutes if the person has mobility issues. While I can all but guarantee you that your disabled employee knows this and plans accordingly to arrive on time, things happen.  Maybe their PCA can’t get out to them due to snow. Maybe their apartment didn’t plow out the striped area of the parking lot and your employee can’t get to their car until they do.

Consider altering your disabled employee’s schedule slightly during the winter.  If able to, allowing them to start later and end later can be less stressful than rushing out the door because they’re already behind.  As long as they’ve got their hours in, of course.

Sick Days

Getting sick is difficult no matter who you are, but it can be even worse if you have a disability.  I can take as much precaution as humanly possible, short of living in a bubble, and I’ll still get sick.  Things like the flu shot help, but it doesn’t repel it completely. Trust me when I say that if your disabled employee is calling in sick, they are sick.  People with disabilities tend to have a higher tolerance for the sniffles and allergies.  We want to save our sick days for when we need them the most.

Your disabled employees might need more sick days.  A cough can turn into pneumonia very rapidly, and that can lead to a hospital stay.  The employee who uses a wheelchair probably has 3-4 PCAs, and if one of them gets sick so could your employee.  Getting sick in the winter is something that is expected when you have a disability. If your employee is able to and wants to work from home to avoid extra contagients, let them.

Office temp

This one is so simple, I debated even putting it on the list.  Being cold is awful, and one or two degrees can make the difference of fingers being too cold to type.  Non-disabled people can put on a sweater to keep warm, but it’s not always that easy for someone with a disability.  Extra layers means extra weight on our arms. Even something like a thicker sweater can be too heavy for someone with strength issues for long periods of time.  Keeping your office a little warmer during the winter will allow your disabled employees to get their work done and be comfortable doing so.

Being understanding with your employees with disabilities is incredibly empowering for them.  They feel wanted and are more likely to want to improve in their work. Winter can make their life more difficult, but giving them seasonal accommodations helps them to be successful in their jobs.  Remember that these aren’t permanent accommodations. When the weather gets warmer they won’t be necessary anymore, but be prepared to re-establish them next winter.