Whimble and Wellbeing: Empowering Disability Wellness
By: Rachel Dean
Having a disability can feel like a full-time job. From managing daily tasks to navigating inaccessible environments, individuals with disabilities face numerous challenges that can consume their time and energy.
Most people we meet in our everyday lives seldom truly understand the time and effort it takes to simply plan an outing and the stress of constantly coming up with contingencies when life, as it often does, throws you a curveball. This is particularly obvious if you, like me, are a wheelchair user with very limited mobility. An example from my own life comes when I plan dinner with a friend.
First, I ask myself, “How am I going to get there? Do I need to take public transit? Will it rain? Is there snow on the ground?”
Then I wonder, “Is the restaurant accessible?”
So, not only am I thinking, “Can I get inside?” but also, “How accessible is it inside? Is the washroom large enough for my chair? Does it have an automatic door with a button I can reach? Are the tables high enough for my chair to fit under them? Or are they so high that my arms can’t reach the table?”
Thus, when planning a dinner with a friend, it's not just about finding a place that serves good food; it's about finding a place that accommodates my needs and allows me to fully participate in the experience. The constant need to plan and adapt can take a toll on both the physical and mental well-being of individuals with disabilities. Therefore, we must recognize the importance of prioritizing self-care and making time for our own physical and mental health.
Physical well-being is essential for everyone, regardless of ability. However, for individuals with disabilities, it can be even more challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity may require modifications or adaptations, and finding accessible fitness facilities or programs can be a struggle.
But that doesn't mean it's impossible. There are numerous ways to incorporate physical activity into our lives, even with limitations. Adaptive sports and recreational activities provide opportunities to stay active and engage in physical exercise tailored to our abilities. From wheelchair hockey to adaptive Zumba, these activities not only promote physical health but also offer a sense of community and empowerment.
Prioritizing mental well-being is equally important. Living with a disability can come with its fair share of emotional challenges. Aside from the frustration of navigating inaccessible environments, the societal stigma attached to disabilities and the constant need to advocate for ourselves can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression.
Taking the time to focus on mental health is not a luxury; it's a necessity. Engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as reading, painting, or spending time in nature, can help alleviate stress and improve overall well-being. Seeking support from therapists, counselors, or support groups can provide a safe space to express emotions and find guidance in coping with the unique challenges we face.
Embracing self-love and practicing self-compassion can have a transformative effect on our mental well-being.
In addition to physical and mental well-being, social connections play a vital role in our overall health and happiness. Building and nurturing relationships can provide a support system and a sense of belonging. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can be particularly empowering, as they understand the challenges we face and can offer support and advice.
It's important to create spaces and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to come together, share their stories, and learn from one another. Whether it's through local support groups, online forums, or social media communities, these connections can be a source of strength.
As we navigate the demands of everyday life with disabilities, it's crucial not to neglect our well-being. Making time for physical activity, prioritizing mental health, and fostering social connections are all essential components of a holistic approach to self-care. By taking care of ourselves, we can better face the challenges that come our way.
Whimble would be a very useful tool in helping to navigate those everyday demands unique to our community. An app that can seamlessly connect people with mobility challenges to caregivers for on-demand and personalized care would mitigate a lot of the stresses centered around my care needs. It’s very empowering to have that kind of control over who helps me throughout the day and when I can expect that person, as well as knowing what quality of care I can expect to receive.
The social connections I would have access to through Whimble should also not be overlooked. Finding supportive, dependable, and like-minded attendants has always been a challenge, but being able to connect with other clients through an app as well as the vetting processes Whimble seeks to implement would make finding quality care much quicker and easier. A platform like this could be a kind of one-stop shop where clients and caregivers can connect to share experiences, resources, and problem-solving techniques. As an added benefit, people who work through challenges together can develop meaningful friendships.
By providing accessible resources and promoting inclusivity, we can create an environment that supports the well-being of all individuals.
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Header image (a person painting) via Unsplash
Rachel Dean is an HR professional at the University of Toronto, dedicated to cultivating inclusive and supportive work environments. Living with Muscular Dystrophy, she aims to play a small part in making her community more accessible for current and future generations. Rachel finds joy in the companionship of her dogs, treasured friendships, painting and embroidery, and playing the sport of powerhockey.
