Making friends as a disabled person

As a disabled person, it is sometimes difficult to make friendships. This is because some people might look at your walker or wheelchair and think that you are not smart. I would like to take a post and discuss how disabled people can make and keep friendships. Over my 19 years of life, I have learned  several things about making friendships as a disabled person. First, it is important to demonstrate to people in general how intelligent you are. First impressions are extremely critical in forming relationships with people: if you look like you are interested in a conversation, then the person is more likely to talk to you. In terms of keeping friendships, you need to continue to show how smart you are and try to have a normal relationship; If you are unable to talk on the phone, then you should explain to the person that you have a disability and to text you.

Some ideas on making friends, first, you could try going to different  conferences for people with disabilities. One conference I go to is called I’m Determined, it is put on by the Virginia Department of Education . I am a youth leader there: and what we do is learn about different resources available for people with disabilities. We also leaned about self-determination skills, and these help us get the accommodations we need for our academic success.. I also have the opportunity to make friendships with people who have disabilities. Another method to make new friends is to try going to camps for people with disabilities. For me, a camp  I go to is Camp Easter Seals UCP, which is a recreational camp. We do activities such as camping, singing songs and swimming. We have a variety of people with different disabilities. I have made a few good friendships there, because some of the people there have Cerebral Palsy ( like me ) but are still smart.

In summary, as a disabled person, you can have normal friendships, but it is necessary that you show how intelligent you are.

navigating college as a disabled student

As a disabled college freshman in Longwood University, there are some things that I have had to deal with that other students do not. First of all, after I got into school, my mother had to contact the office of disabilities to set up my disability accommodations. These accommodations include me being able to go into a separate room when I have to take tests. This helps me concentrate on my testing and avoid distraction. Another thing mom had to do was to get me an aid because I need assistance during my day. So, she contacted CareMed, a nursing agency to hire an aid for me. My first two aids were not all that great, the first one quit because she had car trouble and wasn’t able to come . The second lady was able to stay a few weeks but she ultimately ended up quitting because she was uncomfortable with different people. My third and current aid is an African American male, he is a very good helper and he has lasted since October. 

Some other issues with being a disabled college student would include having to learn how to balance college with my personal life. I have never really had to work during grade school, but when I got into college is very different because you aren’t told when to do your work. There is also a difference in the amount of work that must be done. For many of my classes I must do readings beforehand, in grade school I had never had to do many readings outside of class. I also have to set reminders on my phone to help me remember things (ie going to class) because I am forgetful. I also have to get paperwork filled out in advance to take tests in a private room.

Finally, in college it is different in terms of building relationships. I sometimes have trouble talking to people and socializing. In college I have tried talking to as many people as possible to start friendships. I have also tried to find a girlfriend because I have never had one, but unfortunately I have been unable to find anyone (I will write about this latter). I think that part of my problem with making friends is my speaking issues, because of which some people think I am not intelligent.

In short, being a disabled college student poses unique challenges to me. I have to prepare myself for classes and I have to look ahead and  keep all my ducks in a row.

Welcome

welcome to “A Day In the life of a disabled teenager”  I am a 19 year old disabled teenager. I want to use this blog to discuss issues in a disabled person’s life. These would include relationships, employment and academics