Working in a nursing home has taught me a lot about the value of a human life. Not until you come face to face with people who struggle daily, do you realize how incredibly lucky you are.
Everyday people take the abilities to walk, talk, eat, etc. for granted. People say, "Ugh, this walk is too far, I wish I could just sit down." The ability to walk is a blessing. You aren't confined to a chair or bed. You can move where you like without the assistance of another person.
Another great example is a person's lack of gratitude for the ability to eat without assistance or eat your foods in their original form. So many people must have assistance with feeding or require their food to be mechanically altered to make swallowing easier. So before you complain about eating those veggies, realize how lucky you are to be able to pick up those carrots with a fork and eat them in their natural form.
People with disabilities require assistance with many of their activities of daily living. This includes showering and using the restroom. Imagine a stranger helping you bath or use the bathroom. Would that make you uncomfortable? I believe mostly everyone would agree it does. People with disabilities whether mental or physical do not have this luxury. They need assistance and it doesn't matter if it makes them uncomfortable because it is necessary. They may need help from everything from personal hygiene, dressing, to assistance with engaging in the activities they enjoy.
When people look at a person who has a disability, they usually feel sorry for them. They think, "Oh, that poor person." People who have a disability don't want you thinking about them like that. They want you to see them as another human being. As the wonderful and special person they are. That disability doesn't define them and they want to be treated with equality. Yes, things like getting ready and eating take longer for some of them, but that doesn't mean they are different. They still have all the same feelings and views on the world as everyone else. They still want to be engaged with and have someone talk to them and listen. Working in the health field, I sometimes think this doesn't happen as much as it should. It's all about time and getting things done. However, sometimes you need to slow down and just talk to that person. Have a five minute conversation with them, it'll make their day.
So don't look at a disabled person as a sad story. That's not what they are. They are a mother, father, sibling, grandparent and child. Most importantly, they are a fellow human being so show them some respect.
