A few weeks ago I was watching a debate programme on television where they were discussing whether they would take the option to cure/prevent people having a disability or long term condition. This made me think whether myself and other disabled people would take the option of a cure if it was offered to them.
I decided to run a poll on my Facebook Page and asked; “If there was a cure for your disability, would you take it?” 62% of people who voted say Yes and 38% say No.
Many people say that if they remove their disability, they are removing their identity and uniqueness.
Personally, I would take the cure. In all honesty, being disabled sucks. I feel trapped, dependent on people and find it difficult to achieve everything I should want to do in life. Being disabled does have some positives, but mostly it causes frustration, irritation and lacking fulfilment.
The pros and cons of being disabled
Pros
- Getting to make lifelong friends through school, theatre groups and (The occasional brilliant) carers.
- Gaining work at Disability Horizons, Muscular Dystrophy UK and AccessAble.
- Getting free complimentary tickets at gigs, festivals and theatres.
- Having this blog to share my expereiences of being disabled.
Cons
- Feeling trapped in a wheelchair and bed unable to move my body freely.
- Constantly dependent on carers, many of whom, unsuitable to work with and unable to carry out all tasks due to their lack of understanding and naivety of disabled people. Plus it can be extremely frustrating having to rely on others to do every day tasks such as dressing, washing, cooking and driving when you have the mental capacity to do them but not physically.
- Not having the options and flexibility of where you can live when you are disabled. A majority of disabled adults (unless they are millionaires) live in rented council housing or housing associations properties but are limited to only certain areas in the country because they need a local connection to live there. In my case, I have to live in East Hampshire because my parents are in that area. Whereas an able bodied person can rent privately anywhere in the country. Plus there is the added issue of finding accessible houses meaning you have limited choice in what kind of property you can live in.
- Travelling can take up a lot of time, organising and compromising when you’re disabled. For me, I have to work out if a carer is available and trusting enough to accompany me, work out how to get there and what accessibility facilities are available at my destination. Whereas an able bodied person can simply board public transport, turn up and book accommodation and explore public places and venues with no issues.
- Securing a job can be tricky when disabled. Due to my impairments I cannot do tasks like drive a car, carry objects, construct maintenance work or perform surgery. This doesn’t mean I cannot get employed but I am limited as to what jobs I can do.
I’m aware some of these are barriers created by society and it isn’t impossible for disabled people to live fulfilling, active lives, but I do believe removing my disability would make things easier, allow me to accomplish more and not have to rely on the support of others.
Some people say how amazed they are how I cope so well with my disabilities. However, the truth is, it is hard, I don’t always cope well and at times I want to give up. I know for now there is no cure, I have to keep fighting and continue to appreciate the positives in my life. But if some miracle does come, I will be first in line.
