Some Suggested New Year's Resolutions for Us Disabled Folks Too!
Goal planning isn’t just for the non-disabled. I think for anyone, the start of a new year is a symbolic moment for setting new goals and intentions. For disabled individuals, setting some new year’s resolutions can be a meaningful way to focus on enhancing personal well-being, improving accessibility, and focus on continued independence however is best for you. I’m a firm believer that no one size fits all, so think of these suggestions as mere inspiration points. Take what you like from them, or tweak to what works for you. The point is to harness some of the “fresh start” of the new year to make some positive meaningful changes in your life.
Goal #1: Increase Accessibility in the Community
Navigating a world that isn’t always accommodating can be one of the most significant challenges faced by disabled people. This year, consider dedicating some time to advocate for better accessibility in your local community. This could involve engaging with city councils, local businesses, or community centers to discuss how they can become more accessible and inclusive in their policies and procedures. Both in how the operate internally, and externally.
Action ideas:
Join Local Advocacy Groups: Connect with or form groups that focus on improving local accessibility. There’s strength in numbers when pushing for change. Social media is a great place to start when looking to build a local community. Geographic specific Facebook Groups, or your neighborhood NextDoor can help you locate like-minded folks near you.
Educate Local Business Owners: Sometimes, the lack of accessibility comes from a place of unawareness. Educating local businesses about the importance of accessibility and the specifics that can help make a space more accessible could initiate significant changes. These don’t have to be antagonistic or critical interactions. Just merely shopping or eating in a place you normally wouldn’t (especially if they have accessibility weaknesses) is a good way to raise awareness that improvements can, and should, be made.
Goal #2: Enhance Your Physical and Mental Health
Health and wellness can often take a backseat due to the challenges and the busy schedules of daily life, especially when you are disabled. This year, make a resolution to put your health first, which includes both physical fitness and mental health. Remember to push aside the ableist narrative that disability means “not healthy,” “sick,” or “ill.” I know many disabled people who live very healthy, active lives. It just takes a little effort, as it does for any non-disabled person.
Action ideas:
Consult Healthcare Providers: A top recommendation for a healthier body is exercise and better nutrition. No matter what someone’s physical limitations are, there are adaptive exercises, and methods of exercising, that can keep you limber, reduce chronic pain, and generally in good shape. Work with your healthcare providers to create or update a personalized exercise program that suits your abilities and needs. Additionally, working with a dietitian to make sure you are eating a balanced diet, getting enough vital nutrients, and that your GI system is working properly, are all important areas of health where small improvements can yield big surprisingly good results.
Regular Mental Health Check-ins: Mental health is as important as physical health. Regular consultations with a therapist, counselor, or support group can provide emotional support and coping strategies. There are many support groups specially for people with disabilities. For example, my friend of many years still attends her Spinal Cord Injury support group. One of the best advocacy pillars of the Independent Living Movement is peer mentoring. Giving and receiving support from people who can related to your own lived experiences can be very supporting and affirming for your mental health.
Goal #3: Invest in Personal Development and Joy
Learning new skills or engaging in hobbies can greatly enhance your quality of life, providing joy, distraction from daily stresses, and opportunities for personal achievement. Consider picking up new skills that are accessible and enjoyable. Some ideas include learning a new language, how to play an instrument, or potting some new plants in your garden.
Action ideas:
Explore Adaptive Sports: Many communities offer adaptive sports programs which accommodate various disabilities. This can also be a great way to meet new people and stay active. One that is very popular in my city of San Francisco is called Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors (BAADS). As it states on their website, BAADS strives to make all aspects of sailing accessible. To fulfill this mission, we offer weekly small boat & keelboat sailing out of South Beach Harbor, next to Oracle Park.
Creative Arts: Whether it’s painting, writing, music, or crafts, the arts can be therapeutic and rewarding. Many community centers and organizations offer classes adapted for people with disabilities. Additionally, with the expansion of online learning via Zoom, etc., you can join crafting groups and extension learning classes without even having to leave the comfort of your home. Google what interests you and see where it leads!
Goal #4: Increase Social Interaction and Support Networks
Social relationships are crucial for emotional health and resilience. This year, aim to strengthen your existing relationships and form new ones, possibly with others who share similar experiences and challenges.
Action ideas:
Participate in Community Events: Look for disability-friendly events in your area or online where you can meet new people. If you aren’t sure where to start, look up where your local Independent Living Center or Disability Advocacy non-profit is. They will often have presentations, workshops, and events focusing on topics impacting disabled life. Local libraries will also have community boards where local events are listed. Lastly, sometimes it can be just as rewarding to participate in community events that aren’t specific for the disabled community. Theater groups, civic or political advocacy groups, and specific sports-related groups can all provide an outlet or opportunity for community building.
Volunteer: Offering your time or skills to a cause can be a great way to meet others and make a positive impact in your community. Much like the suggestion above, volunteering your time as a disabled person doesn’t necessarily have to be done at a disability organization. Allow your unique lived experiences, time, and talent to benefit a local non-profit that advocates on a topic you are passionate about. It can be at your local animal shelter, senior center, YMCA or art museum.
Goal #5: Become a Stronger Self-Advocate
While this goal isn’t as typical or traditional as some of the suggestions listed above, pro-actively learning how to become a stronger self-advocate are critical skills that can affect many aspects of life, from healthcare to personal relationships. It will also just help you build your advocacy skills in general. You will learn methods on listening, communication and conflict resolution. All of things will not only work to improve yourself, but also help you advocate on behalf of others.
Action ideas:
Educational Workshops: Attend workshops that teach self-advocacy skills, especially those related to rights under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Most Independent Living Centers or community legal foundations will offer these kinds of classes. If not, they will know where you can find some. There is also a wealth of information via the internet through websites, webinars, and fee-for-service organizations that provide consulting advice on issues requiring strong self-advocacy.
Build a Personal Advocacy Plan: I know this sounds a little overkill, but if you are feeling like you are not in control over some, or all, aspects of your life at the moment, take some time to just sit down and think. Brainstorm about all the topics that are concerning you, and as I like to say, pretend you could “take a magic wand” and solve them. What would those solutions look like? Who would you need to help you execute them? How realistic is what you are wanting to do? Setting intentional time to answer these questions will help you to document your needs, articulate your rights, and plan strategies for communication. The final step is to try to streamline the solutions is as simple-step-by-step process as you can. In time, your advocacy efforts will result in positive life change, and solutions, you are seeking.
Goal #6: Improve Financial Health
I know it might seem overwhelming or scary, but the first step to improving your financial situation is taking a close look at how much money you have and where you are spending it. I know that financial security is a significant concern for many disabled individuals, especially those dealing with extra expenses related to healthcare and accessibility needs. But thankfully, the principal action steps toward improved financial freedom are the same for all of us, disabled or not. And it starts out with budgeting and financial planning.
Action ideas:
Budgeting: Like I alluded to above, you can’t spend what you don’t have. And getting into debt should be avoided as much as possible. Learning to set a realistic budget, living within your means, and setting aside savings are crucial first steps to improving your financial well-being. Start by listing all your sources of income, including benefits or support you receive. Next, track your expenses for a few months to understand your spending habits. Differentiate between essential expenses like rent, utilities, and groceries, and discretionary spending on non-essential items. Consider setting aside a portion of your income for savings or unexpected costs. Look for free budgeting tools or apps that can help you track your finances easily. Regularly review and adjust your budget as needed to ensure you stay on track with your financial goals.
Financial Planning: Financial planning might sound like a lofty goal if you have minimal financial assets and are on a fixed income. It is still important, however, to put yourself in that frame of mind. You probably have assets you don’t think of as such. Additionally, there are tax implications to be considered when planning for your financial future. There are millions of employed disabled people in this country and they have specific life circumstances and needs that non-disabled people do not have. Be sure you consult with financial advisors who understand and specialize in the needs of disabled individuals. Lastly, I think that regularly reviewing and adjusting the financial plan as circumstances change is key to maintaining financial health over time.
Goal #7: Leverage Technology for Better Independence
Technological advancements have made significant strides in aiding the lives of disabled individuals. From mobility devices to software that enhances communication, technology can greatly increase independence.
Action ideas:
Research: Stay updated on new technologies that can help make your daily life more manageable. This is especially true for medical or adaptive equipment. While the disability market is “small” by comparison to the mass market, companies who are in the business of disability innovation are highly competitive. The demographic market is also trending in our favor. With the large Baby Boomer generation aging, many will become disabled, thus growing number of people needing technological solutions. Ways to stay informed include subscribing to disability or senior citizen specific publications and social media accounts.
Training: Invest time in training on new technologies. Many organizations offer free or low-cost training sessions for disabled individuals. Don’t make the mistake of being scared of what you don’t understand. Companies developing new technologies will be invested in making sure you like, and can understand, how to use their products. Adapting can take time and patience, but I think it is well worth the effort. Once you learn how to use a new app, tool, or device, consider passing a long your knowledge!
And there you have it! A few suggestions to kick off some new habits in 2024. Remember small changes can lead to big results, so just do the best you can to be consistent. Happy New Year! — xoxo, Jody