Adaptation is the process of changing to suit different conditions.
Now, as a species, adaptation is an intricate part of our evolution. In the short term, however, most adaptation is simply changing the way we do things.
And despite the naysayers, change isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
When I became a woman with disabilities, I was scared. It took time, but I eventually embraced my disabilities and started making changes. I adapted.
I invested in adaptive equipment and clothing, helpful gadgets, and home modifications. When it came to food and cooking, I had groceries delivered and relied on cooking shortcuts to putting together a meal easier. I also found value in downsizing and digitization, which helped with emergency preparedness.
Best change I made was upgrading to a front-loading washer and dryer. They were a godsend.
Using these changes (aka. solutions), I successfully managed a home and three large dog, prepared meals, did the laundry and dishes, and paid the bills. I even did the taxes. Eventually, I hired a caregiver to help me with the tasks I couldn’t handle on my own. No shame there. Everyone needs help at some point.
I was working at the National Air and Space Museum in DC, when I became a women with disabilities. Thankfully, I had a desk job and worked in a mostly ADA-compliant building, so working with disabilities wasn’t a big adjustment. And when obstacles arose, I used a lot of the same solutions I used at home.
Every year I received more and duties and every year I rose to the occasion. Being a woman with disabilities didn’t hold me back.
I was allowed to work from home a couple days a week to take a break from my three-hour commute (round trip). So, I setup remote access between my office computer and exhibit displays at work and my desktop computer and laptop at home. The laptop allowed me to work from bed, if needed.
As a power chair user, I mastered working on wheels and my experiences commuting helped me figure out how to effectively handle public transportation as a power chair user. I also addressed a few workplace accessibility issues – much to the annoyance of the museum’s administration. I regret nothing.
By adapting, I was able to successfully work with disabilities for over 13 years. And I would have continued working if my position hadn’t been defunded.
Once again, change is not a bad thing. Adapting helped me have a life that works. I’m grateful for it.
I hope the information I’ve shared here is helpful.
-Jen, aka. Power Chair Dorothy
Not in Kansas Anymore (www.notinksanymore.com) is a site/blog authored and managed by Jen, aka. Power Chair Dorothy (pwrchr-dorothy). This site/blog is intended to provide educational and research information, and to share the author’s experiences.
The author of this site/blog is not a medical physician and this site/blog does not provide medical advice. This site/blog contains information that should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation or the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. If you choose to apply or implement any information posted at this site/blog, you do so at your own risk.
