Living with a disability can mean extra challenges and difficulties to overcome.  However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t have as much fun or have as many achievements as other people.  Some days it will be frustrating, but living with a disability means being creative with the way you do things so you don’t have to miss out on anything.  Many times, when people think of disabilities they associate it with a wheelchair or something physically visible.  However, many times we talk to a person with a disability and do not even notice. Having a disability means any restriction that prevents you from doing an activity in a normal way.  Disabilities range from asthma to deafness to paraplegics.

      First, you should be aware of your rights.  Many countries, including the United States, have special laws that protect people with disabilities to make sure they can take part equally in society.  They protect you from discrimination or being treated unfairly. 

      Most of the time, the most involved people in your life will be your family.  Families play an important role in your life by helping you do things you might not necessarily be able to do on your own or aren’t ready to.  However, there may come a time in your life when you will want more independence from them.  Many times, this will be hard for your family, especially your parents, because they have been making decisions for you almost your whole life.  They may be a bit over-protective and worry that if you try something new there may be a risk for you.  You have a right, however, to be involved with the decisions that affect your life.  Your family members may have a hard time letting you have the independence that you want.  You may have to show them that you are able to take care of yourself before they will hand you over that responsibility.  Just remember, most of the time they have a hard time letting go because they care about you and want to help.  Be sure to reassure them that you appreciate their help but you want to learn to do things for yourself.  If they won’t listen to you, try talking to a family friend or teacher that could talk to your family for you.

      Having friends is important for everyone.  They are a source of fun, emotional support, and help make your life enjoyable.  Good friends will also help give you self esteem, this is especially important if you feel left out at times or feel down about your disability.  Just remember, if making friends seems difficult, it can be difficult for anyone.  Just keep trying and if the first group of people you meet doesn’t seem to work, move on, and find another group. 

      One particular source of frustration for someone with a disability is the teasing or bullying they sometimes receive from other people their age.  Remember there are things you can do for yourself if this seems to be a problem for you:

-         You can tell someone about it such as a counselor or parent.

-         Confront the teasers.  Ask them if they understand what they are saying.  Many times, simply confronting people throws them off because they aren’t expecting it.  People who tease others don’t really think before they talk.  If you confront them, they become frazzled.

-         Walk away.  Most of the time they aren’t even worth it.  They mostly do it to get a reaction out of you.  So don’t give them a reaction. 

      Living with a disability can be frustrating and confusing at times.  However, you have the power to be in control of you life!  If you find that you are upset a lot about your frustrations, find someone to talk to – a professional, a counselor, or parent.  Many times if you change the way you think about yourself, other people will see you in a different light too!