Let’s face it, the necessity to live with a wheelchair represents a significant change. Whether it’s an unexpected addition or you’ve seen the need coming for a while, it’s going to have an impact on various aspects of your life. While this doesn’t mean the end of your independence as you know it, it’s important to address the fact that it’ll require some adjustments to how you navigate the world.  

It’s worth considering this as an empowering process. You may not have chosen to utilize a wheelchair, but you can control a lot of how you coexist with it. Taking the time to understand where lifestyle adjustments can be made and what you can do to make the most of them enables you to thrive. 

So, let’s take a moment to look at some key areas of adjusting to life with a wheelchair.

Emotional Adjustments

Some of the most challenging adjustments to make are emotional in nature. It’s not unusual to feel anger, frustration, and sadness, particularly in the beginning. After all, the necessity to utilize a wheelchair represents a drastic change in your life. It’s important to give serious attention to these emotional components related to this fresh addition to your daily existence. 

Many people find it helpful to follow through the grieving process as part of their emotional adjustment. This makes a lot of sense, as some of the feelings are similar to those associated with loss. There can be a lot of fear about how your life might change or depression surrounding what you feel may be new limitations. You may find it helpful to seek out the assistance of a therapist or support group to help guide you through this grieving process. They can help you to better understand your feelings and to empower yourself with techniques for addressing your emotions. 

Importantly, lean into activities that give you joy. Even taking the time to do the small things that provide positivity can bolster your emotional reserves at what can be a difficult time. This can also be an invaluable opportunity for exploration. Discover the interesting altered experiences of your favorite pursuits as a result of your wheelchair. Particularly with physical activities, such as sports or creative pursuits, seek to understand how your wheelchair changes your approach with a sense of play and curiosity. 

Practical Adjustments

A wheelchair represents a largely practical change in your life. Yes, there are definitely emotional aspects, but many of the hurdles are practical in nature. Not to mention that a wheelchair is, in effect, a practical tool. Therefore, it’s important to explore how you can best address these components as you adjust to its presence in your life.  

Firstly, it’s important to understand how to adapt elements of your home to suit your new needs. Placing mobility aids throughout your house can provide you with an invaluable sense of independence. This might include adding a wheelchair platform to your shower for easier access. Installing threshold ramps in entryways can ensure you’re able to navigate steps more effectively. Even something as simple as rearranging furniture to provide space for you to maneuver around your home can be impactful.

Another positive area of practical adjustment may be to your wheelchair itself. There’s no reason you shouldn’t customize this tool so that it best suits your needs. For instance, you can change the upholstery to better meet your comfort requirements and your sense of style. If you’re participating in sports, getting some high-performance wheels can help your speed and maneuverability. Even fitting wheelchair bags can help when you’re traveling or out shopping.

Career Adjustments

In many cases, living with a wheelchair doesn’t and shouldn’t mean you need to change your career. However, there’s little use in denying that the addition of this tool can change the way you navigate physical spaces and activities. This means that you may need to adjust your approach to some aspects of work.

The good news is that in many instances, your employer has a legal — not to mention ethical — obligation to help you in this adjustment. It’s important to approach asking your employer for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in a well-informed and straightforward manner. Attend meetings with your boss on this subject with some ideas for solutions or tools you feel will be useful, backed up by solid research wherever possible. If you receive pushback, speak to your human resources (HR) representative formally. If you still have issues, you have the option of filing a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

In some instances, working from home can be a useful option when making career adjustments. You may also find this independence suits your style of working better, too. However, it is important not to feel forced into this by your employer rather than them making workplace accommodations. If you choose to work remotely, though, ensure you and your employer collaborate on keeping you meaningfully connected with your colleagues and the business culture. You should not be subjected to isolating practices that can have a negative impact on your mental health.

Conclusion

A wheelchair doesn’t change your life entirely, but it often requires some adjustment to key aspects of it. Take the time to feel the emotions of grief and work through them with the right support. Assess your home and the wheelchair itself for any practical adjustments that can make your daily life easier to navigate. Remember that you are entitled to workplace accommodations that empower you to keep pursuing your chosen career. With some focus and planning, you can find the routes to adjustment that are right for you.