Around the globe, 3rd December is celebrated as the International Day of the differently-abled. Each year the celebration centers around a new topic. This helps create awareness for different disabilities and helps us come closer. The world is moving towards a universal standard. This includes all humans and creates an accessible and friendly environment for all. These standards include some safety measures that ensure the wellbeing of the differently-abled.
These devices may be, but are not limited to;
- Assistive technology: Bathing aids, walking frames, bed frames, stairlifts, etc.
These aids help differently-abled people to get around without help.
- Guide dogs: such dogs are trained by their owners in difficult situations. They help differently-abled people be independent while still being safe.
- Social Stories: A tool devised to help people with ASD to interact in an appropriate manner.
These tools help differently-abled people to navigate through their day without difficulty. It increases their independence and sense of pride. Especially in a time like the Covid-19 pandemic, using these devices may be a good option.
In a world that is still unsuitable to cater to everyone, differently-abled persons resort to using special tools and devices. They make the world accessible for themselves.
No matter how independent they may be, it is natural to worry about them. Here are a few personal safety tips that can help keep you safe whilst doing daily tasks.
Safety Tips for the Differently Abled People
1. Call buttons
These are a great tool to use if a differently-abled person lives alone or is alone during a large expanse of time. This call button acts as a speed dial to health officers, police, or a caregiver that can respond during an emergency.
These panic buttons have proven to be lifesavers in dire situations. They have proven to reduce the rate of deaths caused by falls that have resulted in broken bones.
Silent Beacon is a Bluetooth personal device that can be kept on your person at all times. It links to any emergency contact you might have and even 911 at the touch of a button.
Everyone deserves to enjoy their life without worries. This personal safety device helps differently-abled people maintain their independence without feeling overwhelmed or afraid.
2. Declutter
Decluttering the floors and making sure wires are tucked away helps avoid accidents from falling. Make sure everything has a place that is reachable but not in the way. This creates a safe environment where differently-abled persons can move around without fear.
Furniture should be light and movable so that it can be shifted around or relocated without any help or elbow grease. These small changes can do wonders for a person wheeling around in a wheelchair or on crutches. This tip also helps keep sane since clutter can cause stress and anxiety.
3. Lighting
Spaces that are often frequented should be well lit. This can be done using emergency lights or automatic night lights that stay on during the darker hours.
Motion sensor lights are another option. They serve the same purpose and also conserve energy by turning off when no activity is detected.
4. Slip-free surfaces
Use skid mats or non-slip mats in the shower, kitchen, or stairs where there is a risk of slipping or falling. Frames and handles can be used to help differently-abled persons get up from the toilet or get off the bed or on the bed. This allows them to maneuver around their home and help themselves.
5. Hire a caregiver
It can be a source of guilt to leave yourself or your loved ones up to external help, but sometimes it becomes necessary. In this fast-moving world, we don’t have much choice. It could be difficult for working people to take care of a differently-abled loved one the way they deserve.
Hiring a trained nurse or caregiver helps restore peace of mind while you are out and about without the fear that something terrible might happen.
If you are a differently-abled person, hiring a caregiver can help ease you off and give you time to relax and restore your energy for a few hours. A little help never hurt anyone.
6. Easy approaches
Medicines, EpiPens, prescriptions, or inhalers should be kept somewhere reachable. They should be placed at least at the waist height to be accessible.
Personal Safety devices such as medical alarms, call buttons, or wheelchairs should be ready.
7. Technology and apps
Familiarize yourself with new technology and apps that you can use to keep yourself safe at all times. A few apps that you can use are:
Voice4U is an application that helps people with speech impairments. It helps to communicate with people using pictures and icons that already exist in the app.
Be My Eyes is the type of app that pairs blind or low-vision people with volunteers that can help guide them. It can help them navigate, find items, etc.
Speak for Yourself is an augmentative and alternative communication tool. It helps people with down syndrome communicate and ensures that every voice is heard.
These few safety tips, tools, and applications can better help differently-abled persons navigate. It allows them to move through the world without much help. This makes the world a little less daunting and a lot less beautiful.
This 3rd December, reach out to your community and try to make a difference. Call your elderly neighbors and ask if they need help. Help a blind person cross the road. If you know sign language, help a deaf person communicate.
This is a free world, and no one should feel that they are not welcome in it. Universal standards can help make this world a safer, accessible, and friendlier place. By making small, sustainable changes, we can make this world a better place for all people. The change starts now; it starts today; it starts from you. So, let’s look at the world from a new perspective. Make a difference that helps make other people’s lives better, and there is no bigger reward in the world.
