Navigating your life as a disabled adult can be very challenging.
A lot of people look in at my life and make assumptions. People making assumptions about your life is the pinnacle of being a disabled person after all.
A lot of people assume that if I am out of my home doing activities that I always have a caregiver or family/friend with me. However, my entire life I go out to eat, to the beach, to different events by myself quite frequently. Going out on my own really gives me a sense of independence that a lot of non-disabled people feel on a daily basis because they do not have to rely on another human being to have their basic needs met.
Even when I was in high school and younger, I always would ask for the help of a classmate board things I needed in the classroom, such as grabbing a book out of my bag, instead of needing to have an aid with me 24 hours a day.
I’ve carried that into my adult life with simply asking a the server to put my beverage in a smaller cup, or move it a little bit closer to me. Or asking someone at the supermarket to grab an item off a shelf for me. Or putting in a request that the chef cut my burger in half. Simple little things that allow me to be out and about without needing to ask someone to accompany me. Everyone that I ever asked for assistance is so incredibly kind and receptive. Obviously if you are an introvert, it can be difficult to encourage to ask for help, but from my experience, it is so worth it, and humans can be incredibly kind.
I used to be nervous to ask for a small accommodation, until I realize what is the worst thing that can happen? Most people are more than receptive and are happy to help.
I wanted to make this post, because I wish younger me had seen this type of encouragement sooner to pursue my independence and not be afraid to ask for help
