Adults with Disabilities: What’s Next?

by Rachael E Stout  - January 15, 2016

[cs_section id=”” class=” ” style=”margin: 0px; padding: 45px 0px; ” visibility=”” parallax=”false”][cs_row id=”” class=” ” style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” visibility=”” inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” marginlesscolumns=””][cs_column id=”” class=”” style=”padding: 0px; ” bg_color=”” fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″][x_image type=”none” src=”https://www.rachaelestout.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/2000px-Handicapped_Accessible_sign.png” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”right” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][cs_column id=”” class=”” style=”padding: 0px; ” bg_color=”” fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/2″][cs_text id=”” class=”” style=”” text_align=”none”]So you have a disability?

Congratulations! You’re not alone. 20% of the U.S. population (over 50 Million people) have the same issue. That converts to approximately 1.46 Billion people around the world.

[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][cs_row id=”” class=” ” style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” visibility=”” inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” marginlesscolumns=””][cs_column id=”” class=”” style=”padding: 0px; ” bg_color=”” fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″][cs_text id=”” class=”” style=”” text_align=”none”]What Now?

If you are disabled, then you have probably already applied for disability in your country. In the United States we get an average amount based on the years we worked: if you weren’t ever able to work this amount is minimal. Other countries (such as the UK) provide an allowance for housing and other needs based on the severity of the illness.

The main problem?

This money is minimal. Barely enough to have a good quality of life.

For example: I am a 26 year old female living in the United States. I have had trouble on and off for years maintaining a job because I would become unable to work for long periods of time. Now I can’t work in a traditional job at all, and at home jobs don’t work because sometimes I loose my focus.

Does this mean I don’t want to work?

No way!

The main problem is that you can only make $1000/month before they remove you from disability. That’s $800 in cash and an $800 health care plan per month that is lost. So really, I need to jump from $1000 to $2600/month real fast. If I were to make just $1100 – $800 for insurance I would be left with $300/month to live on.

Is this maintainable?

No. The problem with the system is that at some point you are discouraged from working. However, to really live a full life you need to do something.

Having a disability can make you feel worthless.

You are not able to perform basic functions. My main struggles are: driving, go to the store, carrying my 3 wonderful nephews, or some days even having the energy to get out of bed. I really on others to provide my housing because it would otherwise be too expensive. It’s easy to get stuck in the mantra of “I can’t”.

How to fix this?

1. Realize you are not alone (find some support to give you encouragement)
2. Figure out what you can do (even when disabled there are things you will be able to do)
3. Get a Hobby (Knitting, Writing, or Cooking)

A lot of times our inactivity can cause depression. Humans were made to be productive, social beings; however being stuck in the house with nothing to do every day can make you feel as though you are a leftover consideration to the rest of the world.

Finding something to focus your time and energy on can go a long way towards helping improve your quality of life.

Be social.

The main reason I write is to hear from other people like me.

The world has shrunk due to the internet. Now you can hear from your best friend or a celebrity with a click of the button. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

And who knows, maybe that hobby will pay of some day!

Are you struggling with inactivity? I’d love to hear from you below.

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Rachael E Stout

As a professional life coach and I/O psychology scholar, I focus on one goal: fostering inclusivity for individuals with disabilities - be they physical, mental, intermittent, or invisible. My personal experiences with disability (endometriosis, PCOS, epilepsy, PNES, depression, anxiety, and MTHFR disorder) have given me a passion for creating workplaces where everyone can showcase their best abilities, regardless of life circumstances. I provide actionable, data-driven strategies for leaders and organizations to join this mission. By night, I enjoy long hikes with my animals, writing fiction, and finishing my PhD.

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