What is perfect? Does it really exist? For some reason there are standards that we put on ourselves to be perfect, but it’s not fair to expect anyone to be perfect because no one is actually perfect. Some people are so focused on pleasing others that they become mentally and emotionally drained. Instead, it’s better to see the world in a different way. Don’t try to be perfect. Try to be yourself. We don’t think alike; we have different opinions, perspectives and we make different choices. Also, we come in different sizes, religions, skin colors, genders, sexual orientations, ages, and abilities.
Many people have different disabilities. It can be a learning disability such as ADHD and dyslexia. It can be a physical disability like visual impairment or missing arms and legs. It can also be mental and emotional disabilities such as autism or depression. Disabilities are very common. One out of five people have a disability.
Put yourself in our shoes
Depending on their situation, some people with disabilities have it harder than most people. They need more support than other people and it takes longer for them to do some things. Most people have their own car, but people with disabilities often don’t have cars. When some of us get bored, we can’t just leave home. We often need to take Sun Van or arrange a ride. This can make you feel trapped in your home. Sometimes it is harder to get dressed, eat or communicate. Be thankful for what you have because it could be worse.
Don’t judge a book by its cover.
You never know someone’s background. For example, if someone makes a lot of strange and random noises or talks to themselves, we might think this person is trying to annoy us or is being immature. In reality, it isn’t their fault. They can’t control it because it could be something like autism, Tourette’s or schizophrenia. Another thing someone might judge another person on is obesity. There are many reasons why someone might be overweight such as depression, inability to exercise, hormones, genetics, boredom, addiction, diabetes, and many things that we don’t have complete control over. Try to empathize and connect with us and understand where we are coming from.
We’re not alone with our disability.
Role models with the same conditions as us feels empowering
For example, Tim Burton is a role model to everyone. He did a good job on his movies Nightmare Before Christmas, Beetlejuice, Corpse Bride and Edward Scissorhands. He has autism. Albert Einstein was a very smart scientist and made many incredible theories, and it turns out that he himself had autism. Justin Timberlake, the worldwide known singer/music artist has ADHD and OCD. Whoopi Goldberg is an American actress, comedian, author, and television host who has dyslexia. Jim Carrey has ADHD. He is a comedian and actor. They inspire us to not give up on our dreams. If they can do it, we can do it too.
Anything is possible
Sometimes a person with a disability might need to ask for help with things that other people can do on their own. For example, some people need a job coach that helps them run a register or count money. This means that they can do the job. They just need to be informed and guided. It doesn’t always happen immediately. It often takes time. Sometimes we need accommodations- things that help us with our disability like more time on tests, handicap parking, headphones, stress balls, large print, service dogs and anything else that a job could provide.
Don’t let your disability stop you from doing what you want to do because you only live once so live life to the fullest.