Get Over Yourself... We're Only Disabled! Part 8

 Get Over Yourself... We're Only Disabled

Hey my lovely readers, hope you are well. New week, new chapter! Needed to do a lot of editing on this, so took a break from it but a new chapter is here.

Chapter 8

If we want to have fun, we can have fun!

“Fun” can mean different things to different people; it is very individual.  For example, what I might consider to be ‘fun’ as a disabled woman, others might disagree and have their own preferences and this is totally understandable and interesting. 

People with disabilities will seek their own type of fun depending on their condition and needs.  One person might love to play sport or be on their X-box and another person might like to be in a sensory room listening to nursery rhymes.  It is, therefore, really important that people consider individual developmental levels as well as age.    

Accessibility is another important factor to consider when thinking of something for individuals to do.  This includes location, environment and surface (such as whether or not it is suitable for wheelchairs).

When planning a trip for a group of people with disabilities, the organiser needs to ensure that the venue is suitable for everyone’s needs.  Before going, it’s important to find out that everyone can take part and have a good time. Going to a theme park for example, might not suit everyone, especially where people in wheelchairs find it really impossible to get on the rides and they are just watching other people. However this might be somethings they enjoy and get as excited watching as they would riding.

The point I'm making is that when trying to organise a trip, people need to organise something that everyone can join in with, this makes it inclusive to everyone’s needs.  It’s about pitching the trip at the right level so that everyone can enjoy it.  Getting the right balance so that people with all abilities can find something that they find fun to do.  I know I would find going on a shopping trip more exciting than going to somewhere like a theme park  It is about being aware of what people can or can't do before planning a trip.

However, don't stop us from doing what we want to do.  I know there are lots of safety reasons that come with being able to do an activity but there are lots of ways around an issue that make it into something positive.   For example, we might not want to go to a certain pub because there is a step but looking around and researching for an accessible pub is a positive way forward, so people can do what they love doing.  Sometimes there will have to be assessments and health and safety checks carried out, this is only to ensure that the venue is as safe as possible for wheelchairs and different needs.  For example, it’s not good to go somewhere with a flight of stairs or somewhere that doesn't let a carer blend someone’s meal.  Going somewhere should be because the person wants to be there and it is what they want to do and find something fun, they shouldn't be stopped from doing something because of their disability.

Many people have the mental capacity to make decisions, even if they need prompting or given different options at times.  It is good to give people the choice to do what they enjoy the most through talking, or even if they find it hard to express what they want to do, this might be shown through emotions, sounds or signals they make. Everyone has their own way of how they decide what they want. 

As adults, we are allowed to make unwise decisions to have fun.  If we want to go out to the pub and have a few drinks, why stop us because if we have the capacity to understand our limits of drinking, we should be able to join in on what other adults do.  Don't single us out and mollycoddle us because we are adults and we’re just doing what other adults do.  I know sometimes there can be medical issues around people having a drink but not all of them are unable to consume alcohol and most people are aware of their limits. 

Another thing that sometimes limits us from having fun, is when people see that we’re disabled and assume that we are always tired and shouldn't have fun outside of daytime hours. We might get tired more easily than able bodied people but most of us can have fun and have a late night.  

I feel that everyone should have their own say in what they find fun and this shouldn't be taking out of their capability just because of their disability. There are so much accessible places around and depending on the individuals interests, people should have a choice on what they want to do considering what they feel like doing that particular day. 

Having fun should be in everyone's life no matter if they are disabled or not. Fun shouldn't have any rules!

    Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.

Abbie xx