Making Independent Living A Reality For Disabled People
Living with a disability can pose unique challenges, but it shouldn’t stand in the way of achieving independence and leading a fulfilling life. With the right support and resources, disabled individuals can confidently navigate the world on their own terms. Living independently is a fundamental right that should be accessible to everyone. So how do we achieve independent living?
A study conducted by Leonard Cheshire, a prominent disability charity, highlights the pervasive nature of physical barriers encountered by 73% of disabled people when navigating public spaces, including shops, restaurants, and transportation hubs. Additionally, it sheds light on the financial strains faced by a significant portion of the disabled community, with approximately one in four working-age disabled individuals in the UK grappling with financial hardship, struggling to afford basic necessities like food and heating.
So how do we achieve independent living?
Accessible Housing
The foundation of independent living starts with accessible housing. If necessary, consider home modifications or adaptations to create a living space that is both safe and comfortable.
- Modifications such as: wheelchair ramps, wide doorways, and accessible bathroom facilities cater to your needs and make life at home easier.
Assistive Technologies and Devices
Technology plays a crucial role in promoting independence for disabled individuals. Using appropriate aid and equipment can certainly make independent living a reality for people with disabilities.
- Accessibility Features in Devices: According to a report by the Office for National Statistics in 2021, 76% of disabled adults aged 16 to 64 in the UK used a smartphone to aid them with their disabilities. Many modern devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, come equipped with built-in accessibility features. These features, such as screen readers, magnifiers, voice commands, and gesture controls, enable users with various disabilities to interact with technology more effectively.
- Prosthetics: Advances in prosthetics have revolutionised mobility and functionality for individuals with limb differences or physical disabilities. Prosthetic limbs equipped with advanced sensors and actuators can provide more natural movement and enhanced functionality, assist users with mobility impairments in walking or performing daily tasks.
- Mobility aids: Crutches or wheelchairs are another way to help an individual safely and independently move around and complete tasks on a daily basis.
Empowering counselling services
According to a census carried out by the House of Commons Research Library, 38% of disabled adults reported experiencing a mental health condition.
In the journey of navigating life’s challenges, having a strong support network is invaluable, especially for disabled individuals. The presence of understanding friends and family can significantly impact emotional well-being and provide a sense of belonging and empowerment.
Support networks extend beyond personal circles; they encompass support groups and community organisations dedicated to fostering connections among disabled individuals. These spaces serve as invaluable platforms for sharing experiences, exchanging insights, and offering mutual support.
Through these connections, disabled individuals can find strength, solidarity, and the encouragement needed to overcome obstacles and thrive.
If you or your organisation seeks healthcare professionals to join the ‘change’ disabled individuals require, explore Angel Care’s About Page for more information and reach out to us through our Contact Us page.
We can all work together to build a society where every person, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive and live life to the fullest. By implementing a few of the things stated above can significantly enhance the overall quality of life of disabled individuals and will help them perform daily tasks independently.
Published: 11th of May 2024
By: Angel Care