Have you ever wondered if having a disability impacts a person’s personality? Or how does your personality dictate the way you view disability?
Steve Derwent, a quadriplegic, poses these two questions after participating in a series of surveys designed to help identify an individual’s personality type, leadership style, and spiritual gifts.
“As I was looking over my own results, I couldn’t help but wonder what impact my personality has had on how I manage my disability.”
Steve says it is hard to say which has influenced the other more, the personality or the disability. However, he states that there is no doubt that personality and disability are mutually exclusive. He goes on to say that he would argue that a person does not have to be the one to have a disability for it to affect their personality.
“I know of people in my life that have gone through incredible challenges. Their experiences have altered my perspective and inspired me to make changes in the way that I live.”
Steve states that for most people it will seem counterintuitive to think that a disability is something to celebrate. He says, “Truthfully, there are many days that I wrestle with the concept as well. Reflecting back on some of my hardest days, I can see the difference in who I am today as a result of not giving up.”
Steve continues by saying he did not grow into the person he is today by doing it on his own. He says he had to learn to let go of things that were out of his control and have faith in a higher power. His mind has been set free to focus on things he can control.
“That freedom is what enables me to do things I never would have thought possible. There is no doubt in my mind that my personality has been refined and improved as a result of trials and tribulation.”