Disability
Many young people live with disability- some disabilities are not even visible to others.
But this doesn't mean that you still might not feel very different from other young people around you. If you have had your disability from birth then you may have adjusted to it. If however, your disability has happened as a result of injury or illness it can be very difficult to accept and adjust.
If you have a disability you are more than entitled to get fed up from time to time. Maybe you just can't do some of the things your friends can. Maybe you have to ask for help and rely on someone all the time.
It's very possible that you will have to put up with other peoples' reactions to your disability when you want more than anything to forget it exists for a while. Other peoples' reactions and comments can hurt even though you know that it's not intentional. They often see you for what you can't do rather than what you can do.
The reality is that even where someone has a severe disability they can be incredibly able in other ways. Sometimes it can be hard to get people to understand this. In fact chances are you have faced more adversity than other people so you could tell them a thing or two about how to cope!!!
We all need a moan from time to time so don't be afraid to vent your frustrations. There are times when you will be more aware of your disability then others e.g. going out to a disco, meeting new people, moving away from home, doing exams etc. There are people there to help you when the going gets tough or you are just completely fed up so don't be afraid to ask for help.
Support groups can be great especially to help you see that you are not alone. Support groups can also be a place to get practical advice on things e.g. applying to college, careers and living independently as well as information on what your entitlements are and other sources of support.
ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT YOUR DISABILITY IS ONLY ONE PART OF YOU.
If you think you’re being discriminated against or are the victim of prejudice then contact the Equality Authority in Ireland or the Citizens Advice Bureau or Equality Commission in NI for advice.
See the Equality section for more information.
Find more information and support:
People with Disabilities Ireland
Web: www.pwdi.ie Email: info@pwdi.ie Tel: 01 8721744
Website for people with physical and mental disabilities. Covers everything from wheelchair access, education, benefits and allowances, government agencies, and discrimination.
Enable Ireland
Web: www.enableireland.ie Email: communications@enableireland.ie Tel: 01 872 7155
Enable Ireland support people with disabilities and their families. Services for children and their families cover all aspects of a child's physical, educational, and social development from early infancy through adolescence. Services for adults include personal development, independent living, employment, and social and leisure activities.
The Carers Association
Web: www.carersireland.com Email: info@carersireland.com Tel: 057 9322920
Ireland's national voluntary organisation for and of family carers in the home.
Dyslexia Association of Ireland
Web: www.dyslexia.ie Email: info@dyslexia.ie Tel: 01 6790276
The Dyslexia Association of Ireland aims to promote the understanding, treatment and prevention of the problems associated with dyslexia, a specific learning disability. The association lobbies for appropriate services for people with dyslexia.
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Posted by : lk - 21 days ago
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