questions and answers

Dear disability doctor,

 

I am in perfect health, and I have never been around a person with a disability. I just got a new job, and have a disabled co worker What should I do? Signed, ignorant,

 

Dear ignorant,

 

The first step when wanting to learn something new, is to admit that you do not know it. I would give you a thumbs up, you are doing just that. Here is what to do. with out being overly pushy become a friend to that person. Do not try to be overly helpful, and just treat that person, like you would treat any one else.

For in spite of some ajustments they have to make, they have the same dreams, desires and goals that you have.

 thedisabilitydoctor.blogspot.com

questions and answers

Dear disability doctor,

 

I am a quad, and for that reason, my family thinks I need care twenty four seven.

I live in a nursing home which I hate.  Worst of all, until reasontly, my sister would not even let me handle my check book. I am not lacking in mental ability, and just want to get on with my life. Signed frustrated.

 

Dear frustrated,

 

Before others can accept you fully, you must accept yourself. While life is not fair, you can know that God is good and that His heart breaks at your suffering.  First and fore  most therefore, you can know that you are accepted by him. Groww in this acceptance.

 

Secondly, fight for your rights. If you have to, get an aturney. If this seems impossible because of income, go to legal aid.

 

Thirdly, increase in growth as a person. Have new goals, activities and friendships.Don't allow yourself to believe that you can't win in this situation, withh God's help.

 

Dear disability doctor,

 

Sometimes because of my disability I feel like a burden to family and friends. They have never done anything to reinforce this feeling, but many times they have gone out of there way to assist me. What can I do to fight this? Signed, alone.

 

Dear alone,

 

First of all, stop feeling sorry for yourself. There are many disabled people who have gone, or are going through similar sircomstances. Growing up with a disability, I had to fight many of the same feelings.  My life was for ever changed though, when I found out how much God loved me.  

 

 Also you have to realize, that there  are special things that only you can contribute.   Know that only you can share these special gifts. Make a list of things you can do, and ways in which you can give.

 

Visit nursing homes, hospitals and other places where people feel alone. Just sharing with others, will relieve much of the emptyness that you are experiencing. If transportation proves to be a difficulty, visit with home bound and other persons on the phone. Many houses of worship or community service agencies, can put you into contact with hurting people.

 

If you would like to contact the disability doctor, e-mail me at tsburdick@msn.com.

question and answer

Dear disability doctor,

 

I have lost 95 percent of my vision, have one kidney and am also a diabedic. I don't mean to feel sorry for myself, but once I lived an independant lifestyle. I am afraid if I get sick, I might loose my other kidney. What should I do?Signed confused.

 

Dear confused, you are nott feeling sorry for yourself, as much as you just don't know where to turn. You need to ask for help as hard as that may be. Most of us don't realize all that we have, until we do face hard times. We are relational creatures, so the more you can develop friendships with others who are going through similar things, the less alone you will feel.

 

Also there are a lot of things that you can still do. try to consintrate, on your strengths.

 

You said that you were afraid, of getting sick. Two safe guards, are a strong faith in God,  

 

At this time,  it is imparative that you build a network of support.Secondly if you have goals and dreams before you, you are more likely to fight back and overcome life's chalanges.

 

Dear doctor,

 

I don't know how to treat people with disabilities  .  I have never been close to any one like that, but now one of my family members is very ill.  I am scared,    and don't want to accept this. Can you help me signed reaching out.

 

Dear reaching out,

 

All of us have to face things that we don't want to. Go out of your way, to make friends with disabled people. As you do this you will find that they are just like anyone else. People who face pronounced chalanges  may have to do something a little differently to arive at the same goal you would, but you will see that they have the same needs and desires. 

 

I think you would agree, that a lot of our fears are based on ignorance. As you replace ignorance with knowledge,you will find your fear becoming less and less. The most important thing, is that you treat a disabled person, like you would treat anyone else.

 

If you have any questions about disability issues for the doctor, Please send an e-mail to tsburdick@msn.com