Other advantages? Working with a host of professionals in other fields. I can’t begin to tell you how much I learned about medicine, patient care, and disease processes. I learned all about medical insurance and government programs, and how to find patients appropriate aftercare. It made me a far better-informed consumer of healthcare, myself. Not only does speech pathology pay better, it’s always easy to find a job. I was never out of work for longer than a week. Whereas MFTs’ practices are vulnerable due to the state of the economy, rehab jobs are always in high demand.Go to asha.org for more info.

I agree many people just do not know what to say or how to respond. A simple smile and a hello sometimes is enough. Validation that says: “I see you” is important to all of us. I have worked and had friendships with others who had visible and “Invisible’ disabilities. Those with disabilities that could not be seen struggled to find the right way to let people know they process information differently. Hopefully Disability Awareness Month presents opportunities to share this kind of information with others. Thanks for your comments!

P.S. 5 of our children’s characters in the series have disabilities.

Just a few comments from my perspective!

I really don’t like to be called a disabled person. That puts “disabled” first. I think of myself as a person with a disability – person first, disability 2nd.

I think, instead of automatically assuming a person with a disability needs help (if they are able to communicate), ask them if and how you can help them. It can start a conversation, which helps build a connection and understanding.

I know in most situations, I have already figured out what my challenges will be, and know what to ask for! It’s really nice to have someone ask how they can help. It saves me the embarrassment of having to ask or struggle. I really hate calling attention to my disablity.

Another tip for kids – I think kids should not tell friends with disabilities to “hurry up.”