Finding gratitude for our privileges

Getting up and going to work. Although my work schedule has some impact on when I rise in the morning, I am essentially in charge of my own routine. For many people with disabilities living in group settings, their routines are based on staff preferences and availability. I can hop in the shower without having to worry about whether the bathroom can accommodate my mobility needs. I decide when and what to eat for breakfast and drink unwise amounts of coffee without anyone dictating what they think is healthy for me. Work itself is a privilege, considering only 30% to 35% of people with disabilities of working age are employed.Going out to eat with a friend. If I want to jump in my car and go grab a bite to eat with a friend, there are so many things I don’t have to consider. My transportation is simple; I don’t have to worry about catching an accessible bus or hoping I can find a rideshare that can accommodate my wheelchair. I can choose a restaurant based on what I want to eat, not where I can get in the door, use the restroom, or be assured that I won’t have sensory overload. I have enough income to pay for a meal, while in the U.S., people with disabilities are twice as likely to live below the poverty line. Even having that close friend to eat with is a privilege, because people with disabilities are at increased risk of social isolation and loneliness.Chilling at home with a movie. People with disabilities face enormous barriers to owning a home, including affordability and finding accessible housing to meet their needs. For those who are living in a group home or other group setting, control of the shared screen might be on rotation, so while you get to watch “Yellowjackets” tonight, tomorrow night, you might be stuck watching “Fuller House” because your roommate is a John Stamos fan. And although I personally prefer having closed captioning, it doesn’t determine whether or not I can watch something.