INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS: FINAL WORDS
Willie Davis
While I’ve had the opportunity to build a network of contacts, nothing compares to the camaraderie that you find in working with others, such as I have found in working at the Turtle Mountain Community College over the last 16 years, either part/full-time. The people I have had the pleasure to work with especially at the Vocational Rehabilitation Program make those days I am at work most enjoyable. They have accepted me as an equal, and have supported and encouraged me daily.
I chose to focus my article on the things that make life worth living - family, work, nature, sports - rather than details of range of motion exercises, using hand controls to drive a car, and so on. We do cover those topics in the Disability Access workshops.
However, I wanted to begin with what is really important, independent LIVING. After all, what good is it to have learned to drive a car with hand controls if you don't have anywhere you want to go and no one wanting there for you?
Getting involved whether it is playing in sports, serving on committee’s, groups or participating in an activity that challenges your mind or body can provide you with rewards that can last for a life time. Each person must find that special thing or click (something innate/inside) that is appealing and fosters the energy to apply it. It helps to find someone who shares in that passion and together you can make the changes or journey to a positive outcome in your life. I often recite the quote ,
“I am more concerned about the cause, than the applause.”
Learn more: Read more articles by Willie Davis