Disabilities come in different forms, but all of them can make “usual” life a bit more difficult.
Know, however, that you can achieve even more than you ever imagined, even with your disability. In fact, many people with disabilities go on to live successful lives as they learn to manage their conditions.
With an NDIS provider, you can be successful, too.
Ready to take life into your own hands and thrive like never before? Read these 5 ways to live well with your disability.
1. Find or Create a Safe Space
Look around for groups or communities with similar conditions so that you can stay connected and be a part of a greater community. This way, you can help others as well as receive help allowing you to grow with your disability and empower yourself.
There are many online forums and groups on social media platforms that are filled with people who may be living with similar conditions as you. At the same time, you can also look to organisations that provide disability support through community gatherings and mentorships.
Living with a disability does not mean you have to live with it alone. Ask for help and even empower yourself by offering help to others. Remember, you are never alone in this and there is a community always looking out for your best interests.
2. Pay Attention to Your Diet & Exercise
Part of managing your disability is to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine. It can be hard to imagine if you have a disability to be going to the gym several times a week or cooking your own food.
Don’t worry, though; this is a common predicament among first-timers and NDIS service providers like OnTrack Tasmania have several programs to help you live independently and successfully.
We have an NDIS Supported Independent Living program that helps you improve your cooking skills and manage your time wisely.
3. Give Yourself Time
If you’ve recently received a diagnosis or are recovering – getting a diagnosis about your disability can be a new beginning, albeit rather shocking and difficult to come to terms with. This will be a time to slowly accept a new reality but it’s also best to give yourself some time.
We understand that this is a major shift and change in your life as you need to adjust your future plans and deal with a new reality. The first step is to give yourself time to acknowledge your feelings. Instead of focusing on the things that you might not be able to do, or the areas in your life that might be more difficult now – take the time to learn to refocus your energy towards the things you can do. It’s a difficult challenge but you’ll get there in the end.
OnTrack Tasmania is your partner in giving you that time to understand and go through the motions as you come to terms with your disability. Know that this is not the end but rather a new beginning, with infinite possibilities.
4. Learn About Your Disability
Even if you’re having a roller coaster of emotions, take this time to learn about your disability.
For example, if you are now wheelchair-bound, you can take a look at the internet for sources on coping with this new reality. Quick searches can answer some of your questions such as:
- How can you go around my home in a wheelchair?
- Are there any complications being wheelchair-bound?
- Is it possible to take a shower in a wheelchair?
- What are some activities that I can do despite being wheelchair-bound?
Learning about your disability can help you better understand what you are dealing with and see if any new studies can aid you in managing it.
5. Apply for the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Eligible participants can download the NDIS Access Request Form and apply on the NDIS website. Once you become a participant, you now have support from the government as well as access to any NDIS registered provider in Tasmania and throughout Australia.
An NDIS provider will give you assistive equipment and support specialists to help you do everyday things by yourself while making sure that your bigger goals are in sight. From social interactions to managing daily jobs and making decisions, the NDIS support coordination provider will make sure that you are living the best life with your disability.
OnTrack Tasmania is your NDIS provider in Hobart that supports equal access to employment, housing and community activities. We provide a host of services for participants to live the lives they want through mentorships, support coordination and independent living programs. Contact us on our website today.