Dream…

Some are told not to dream. To think and strive for small things.

Small things are good. Big things too.

But we all must dream. To have goals, something to aim for.

So, even if it does not turn into a reality, I will dream.

To buy a place to live with a garden and a dog.

One day a husband to love and support.

Even if my dreams do not become reality,

At least for now,

These are my dreams.

What do you dream?

 

As a support worker in Australia, part of my job is to support people in setting up goals to work towards. This is often broken down into smaller goals. For example, wanting to attend a course in person requires easy access to the classroom. Once completing their course, this person can start to work on the bigger goal of finding employment.

But often, for those with disability, the community is not set up for this to be easy. It should be easier, but it is not. Advocating is hard, and needs support from others and ears to listen, and eyes to see that they are capable and can be an asset as people who come with differences can see things from a different angles, that average person cannot.

If you have a disability, (myself included with mild Cerebral Palsy), dreaming of a job that you want is not always seen in a positive light. You may be told that you need to think small, to go for easier options. This is a shame. It comes from a lack of understanding and willingness to adapt for those who live with extra challenges.

Yes, some jobs cannot be adapted to fit the person. You could not employ a pilot who is blind. But you encourage them to look for a job in the tourism industry. For example, a tour guide who is blind would notice things about a place that others may not. The smells, the feels, the sounds… these are enhanced.  And yes, support may be needed, but who does not need support when they start a new job?

If we employ all kinds of people, with diverse abilities, we can learn and grow more as a community. I have learnt so much by simply listening, discussing, being open to being wrong, and coming up with ideas with all kinds of individuals.

So, go on… I urge you… talk with someone different than you, see the world at a different angle, and help one another to learn and grow.