How to Adjust to a Disability

Accidents and injuries can happen in a flash, leaving a person deaf, blind, paralyzed or with another kind of disability. When something like that happens, a person may find it extremely difficult to cope with the new obstacles he must face and to adjust to the new way of life. By mentally accepting a new disability, having a strong support system and learning to adapt daily routines, a person can move forward with life.

Instructions

• 1

  Accept your disability. Realize that you cannot reverse it, but you can move forward and adapt to life with it. After becoming disabled, many people become depressed, withdrawn, and sometimes hopeless and suicidal. Start seeing a licensed therapist if you are depressed or having thoughts of suicide. A therapist or psychiatrist can help you develop mental coping mechanisms or even prescribe anti-depressants. Once you stop being in denial about your disability, you will be able to move forward and resume living your life again.

• 2

  Build a strong support system around you. Depending on your disability, you may need extra help moving about the house or performing routine activities. Reach out to family members, friends and neighbors if you need helping doing things, if you need a shoulder to cry on or if you just need someone to talk to. Consider joining a support group in your area for people with your disability. Meeting others in a similar situation can help you realize that you're not alone and that your life is not over.

• 3

  Visit Disability.gov, a government-operated site that features information, links and tools for U.S. residents with disabilities. Click on one of the tabs under "Information by Topic" to read information about civil rights and government benefits, transportation, housing options and healthcare options. You can also get information tailored to your state by selecting your state in the drop-down menu under "Information by State" and clicking the "Go" button.

• 4

  Meet with your financial adviser or personal accountant, if you have one. Your new disability may require you to use a wheelchair, new medications or even an in-home nurse, all of which can be expensive. Talk to your money manager about how much you can afford and about job opportunities someone with your disability may be able to pursue.