Close this page 
to go back to the
previous window.

Living with Physical Challenges: A Success Story

Having a physical disability makes one’s life more challenging. Physical disabilities can impose limits on what people can do. People with physical disabilities don’t like to be limited and they don’t like to be perceived that way. It’s truly inspiring to realize what people with physical disabilities do to make life accessible for them.

I recently met with Sam who was diagnosed with lupus very young. Sam had an aggressive seizure at age 7, and he survived a major stroke at the age of 15. A car also hit Sam when he was two months old. These traumatic events have left him physically disabled. He has limited use of his right arm. He does not have full strength and mobility in his right leg and he walks with a limp. He suffers from a head injury that disrupts his concentration. When his lupus flares up it causes joint pain and his skin to break out in rashes. Sam has a lot of discomfort that he endures. Sam accepts his limitations but he compensates in order that he’s not a limited human being. He’s a powerful person.

Sam is right handed. Up until his stroke at age 15, Sam wrote and drew with his right hand. Sam was becoming an artist before his stroke. He drew houses and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Because of the damage from his stroke, Sam can no longer use his right arm to write or draw with. Now, at age 21, Sam does not draw much anymore. However, Sam has learned to write effectively with his left hand. Sam consistently worked with a therapist for five to six years to learn how to write with his left hand. He will prepare this year to receive his General Education Diploma and he considers eventually going to college.

Doctors told Sam that he will not regain full strength in his right arm and right leg, but with practice he will regain mobility and some strength. Sam continually adapts to the demands of living and he manages to get things accomplished. Very early in Sam’s recovery he learned to dress and clean himself without the use of his right hand. Sam was determined to do this himself. Sam challenges his muscles and coordination to continually adjust. Putting his watch on has been difficult for Sam. Prior he had assistance with this task. Now Sam manages this by himself.

Sam is assertive and he asks for help when he needs it. Sam thinks ahead so he can manage everything independently but he’s responsible in asking for help. He also accepts receiving help from others. Cutting food like meat and watermelon can often be too challenging and time-consuming for Sam. At this point in his life Sam has arranged to live with support to help with these things. For the future Sam is going to invest in a special cutting board that has spikes on it so he can cut these things himself when he’s more independent.

Doing laundry is challenging for Sam. He adjusts by doing small, frequent loads that he can handle and move instead of doing a few big loads of laundry a week. Sam still frequently asks for help with putting his laundry back into his laundry bag after it is finished in the dryer. When Sam lives more independently, he may set up a system to help him manage his laundry. This will involve hooks and pulleys so he can put clothes back into his laundry bag after they are done.

Sam works very hard to live a normal life even though he is physically disabled. Sam takes part in a full-time recovery program that is improving his physical body and his future opportunities. Sam accepts his limitations and he works hard at overcoming them. Sam stays motivated to adapt to the challenges his disability presents to his independence. Sam takes responsibility. When necessary, he asks for help and he accepts help. Sam remains positive about meeting his future goals and improving his present condition. Sam’s story is one we can all learn from.

Back to top

Table of Contents | Being Prepared for the Intake Process
Overview of Housing Options in Greater Portland
Housing Source Tip Sheets