Living with a Disability
When Shelly saw Ms. Jones in a wheelchair, she felt sorry forher. She said a little prayer of thanks that she could walk andmove freely without any hindrance. However, feeling badly for aperson and actually sitting in the wheelchair for another vantagepoint is very different.
Imagine that you suffered an accident six months ago. Theaccident left you partially paralyzed from the waist down. You arecurrently seeking counseling from a professional specializing inworking with individuals who have disabilities. It has been adifficult six months. Your central concerns relate to the emotionaland physical adjustments you must now make in relation to yourfamily, job, and future plans. You are permanently in a wheelchairand have limited use of your legs but full use of your arms andupper body.
Identify three major issues that you think you would need towork through in therapy. Explain what aspect of each issue isproblematic for you.
Explain how your views on intimacy, usefulness, and securitywill change for you to make the necessary adjustments for livingwith the disability.
How well do you think you would cope with this situation if youfaced something similar in real life?
