News from DAC NEW – Spokane

By Hannah Adira, DAC NEW Volunteer

Living on this planet with disabilities is incredibly challenging. No matter how accommodating you try to make a place, event, or a home there is going to be a barrier that can cause issues for navigating the system. From the simplest things to the most daunting tasks, those with disabilities face barriers to be able to live independently. These barriers can be people, buildings, infrastructure, pathways, technology, food, education, medical care, and so much more. Barriers can be anything and everything.

From my perspective, barriers can feel like hitting a brick wall. Experiencing a barrier can cause your body to feel physical pain due to your disability, as well as emotional and mental stress. Imagine a simple task of brushing your hair and putting your clothes on every morning is equivalent of running a marathon, and you still have to do all your other tasks for the day.

I struggle with daily tasks due to my disabilities. My physical disabilities got progressively worse as I grew older and were undiagnosed. Luckily, I now have a diagnosis and a good support team. I am learning new skills in order to be independent and learn how to do things a different way. This is not only a barrier for physical health but also emotional and mental health. The strain on my physical health means I have less “spoons” or energy to handle the stress of daily life. In turn, this makes it difficult for me to process and understand the sensory input I get from the world around me.

Now, combining this with all the barriers I face in my home, with transportation, and in town, I am always creating plans trying to figure out the best routes to be able to access something. I am always worrying about whether I will be able to get into a building. Does the building have an elevator? Do I need to have extra time to climb stairs? Do I need to be dropped off at the curb because the parking is too far away? Do I have to give myself an extra 30 minutes because now I have to walk a few blocks?

The cycle is never ending. Living on this Earth with disabilities is like a never-ending trial about who can last the longest. The ones with the disabilities have voices that tend to be stifled and forgotten about. In times like these, when things are in chaos and the barriers that we face only increase and become more problematic, we must become a fighting force that becomes so loud that it creates ripples through time.

We are stronger together!!! Our voices are loud!!! Time to create ripples of Disability Unity throughout time!!!

DAC NEW
222 W Mission Ave Suite 230
Spokane, WA 99201
509-606-4639
Colville: 509-338-8738