Assignment: Living With a Disability
When Shelly saw Ms. Jones in a wheelchair, she felt sorry for her. She said a little prayer of thanks that she could walk and move freely without any hindrance. However, feeling badly for a person and actually sitting in the wheelchair for another vantage point is very different.
Imagine that you suffered an accident six months ago. The accident left you partially paralyzed from the waist down. You are currently seeking counseling from a professional specializing in working with individuals who have disabilities. It has been a difficult six months. Your central concerns relate to the emotional and physical adjustments you must now make in relation to your family, job, and future plans. You are permanently in a wheelchair and have limited use of your legs but full use of your arms and upper body.
- Identify three major issues that you think you would need to work through in therapy. Explain what aspect of each issue is problematic for you.
- Explain how your views on intimacy, usefulness, and security will change for you to make the necessary adjustments for living with the disability.
- How well do you think you would cope with this situation if you faced something similar in real life?