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    • Finding gratitude for our privileges
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    Finding gratitude for our privileges

    Pabio Posted on

    It’s a time of year when many Americans stop and take stock of the many blessings we have. With turkey, ham, tamales, shrimp cocktail, frozen pizza, or whatever your family enjoys, there’s often a healthy dose of gratitude on the Thanksgiving table.

    One way to approach gratitude is to consider all the privileges you have. I’m grateful to be born in this country, to the parents I have, and to the times we live in (big fan of flush toilets here). I also recognize that there are many things I take for granted because I don’t face the discrimination or prejudice associated with disability. Some examples:

    • Get up and go to work. Although my work schedule has some impact on when I get up in the morning, I am essentially responsible for my own routine. For many people with disabilities living in groups, their routines are based on staff preferences and availability. I can take a shower without having to worry about whether the bathroom can accommodate my mobility needs. I decide when and what to eat for breakfast and drink reckless amounts of coffee without anyone dictating to me what they think is healthy for me. Work itself is a privilege, given that only 30-35% of people with disabilities of working age are employed.
    • Going out to eat with a friend. If I want to jump in my car and go grab a bite to eat with a friend, there are so many things I don’t have to consider. My transportation is simple; I don’t have to worry about taking an accessible bus or hoping I can find a rideshare that can accommodate my wheelchair. I can choose a restaurant based on what I want to eat, not where I can walk in the door, use the restroom, or be assured that I won’t have sensory overload. I have enough income to pay for a meal, while in the United States, people with disabilities are twice as likely to live below the poverty line. Even having that close friend to eat with is a privilege, as people with disabilities are at increased risk of social isolation and loneliness.
    • Relaxing at home with a movie. People with disabilities face enormous barriers to home ownership, particularly in terms of affordability and finding accessible housing to meet their needs. For those living in a group home or other group environment, split-screen control may be rotating, so while you’re watching “Yellowjackets” tonight, tomorrow night you might be stuck watching “Yellowjackets” Fuller House” because your roommate is a John Stamos fan. And while I personally prefer having closed captions, it doesn’t determine whether or not I can watch something.

    Of course, people with disabilities are not a monolithic group and not all barriers apply to everyone. But I find it important to keep in mind that not everyone has equal access to the blessings I enjoy.

    I hope that in this season you also find many things to be grateful for.

    Tara Kiene is President and CEO of Community Connections.

    Pabio
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