“Being a person with a disability is certainly an experience. There are good days, and there are a large number of struggles. That’s just the reality of it,” says Jenn Leisey, who has Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy. She continues by saying that she views her disability as a learning experience. Jenn shares five life lessons she has learned as a person who uses a wheelchair.
“Despite the hurdles, the silver lining is that disability is a learning experience in so many ways. “
Situations Are Relatable
Jenn states that she has met and bonded with many people over a shared understanding of the concept of ailments and struggling. “I’ve bonded with so many people over bad backs and sore knees than you would ever imagine because it’s some sort of innate calling to share our understanding of struggles with one another,” she says.
Obstacles Are Inevitable
Jenn contributes flexibility as one of the biggest keys to being able to keep your sanity. She uses humor by saying there are times where stairs are not avoidable. There may be instances where you will find alternative routes to arrive at your destination.
“Sometimes there’s an alternative route to get you to your destination. Sometimes, you have to swallow your pride and ask a stranger to help you. And sometimes, there is absolutely nothing you can do but move on, even if it means missing what’s on the second floor.”
It’s Okay To Ask For Help
Jenn reminds her readers that it is okay to ask for help. She shares a life experience where she was able to receive disability benefits which in return helped her earn a degree when the stress of working full time and going to school was too taxing on her body.
“When your body doesn’t function the way it should, you learn the difference between pride and assistance.”
Asking for help does NOT equate to pity. It is important to know what resources are out there and where to go for assistance.
Appreciate The Little Things
Take the time out of your day to appreciate the little things. Jenn gives examples of some little things she is thankful for like “front row parking spaces, automatic door openers when you don’t have a free hand to pull it, having legs that are sexy, even if they don’t work and frozen margaritas.”
Teach Tolerance
The last life lesson that Jenn discusses is one that parents can pass on to their children, and that is to teach tolerance by being tolerant. She uses the example of how parents react to their children staring at her wheelchair. “Having kids stare at me because of being in a wheelchair has never bothered me. It’s human nature to be curious about things we’re not used to. But it makes me sad when parents scold their kids for looking instead of offering them an explanation,” says Jenn.
Jenn feels that by parents scolding their children they are setting a precedent that people with disabilities are different and should be treated as such. She suggests using short, simple and vague reasons as to why a person might be using a wheelchair. Explanations should be in a nonchalant manner in a not condescending tone.