top of page
PSYCH REHAB copy.jpg

Independent Living

Independent living skills are crucial for amputees and many other conditions. Today, even folks who just want more efficiency turn to independent living methods, gadgets and problem-solving to raise the quality of their lives. Please feel free to browse these resources, links and recommendations. Then consider buying a membership giving you full access to videos, tutorials and/or consulting time.

Rehabilitation Psychology Skills and Methods

     These will solve many problems and help make good decisions. They require practice, patience and fine tuning all of which are fraut with tough lessons, bad-luck and tiring efforts that may produce few results if any at times.

     

Skills and Methods

     Education is my way of healing many ailments. I have found that simply learning about anything creates an opportunity to feel better and build confidence. Good therapy cannot be overrated but I offer a different way to examine problems and can design realistic, practical recommendations and tips.

Gadgets, Prothesis, and Technology

      Voice recognition, VR, AI and other adaptive technologies are upon us though not always affordable or simple. I offer high-tech, low-tech or no-tech options to assist with independent living, employment and recreation.

History

     The generally accepted "Father" of independent living is Ed Roberts. As medical technology advanced in the 1940s and 50s, Ed imagined and then improved his own quality of life by advocating and politely demanding integration into the mainstream community. That is where a vibrant energy exists in the people. He gravitated toward that source of human caring and compassion, naturally. After all, caring and compassion are the the original reasons that communities have been forming for eons. Against all odds at the time, Ed had a way of demonstrating the reasonable longing of a person's heart to living among others and those others having a similar desire in some way. 

      In short, Ed was a pioneer that helped pave the way for dozens of privileges those with severe disabilities enjoy today. What is so important about his work is the way he changed attitudes, systems, locations, minds and leadership. Ed truly exhibited superpowers that resulted directly or indirectly with the following 'BIG 5' pioneering breakthroughs:

  • Equal Access

  • Freedom of Movement

  • Government Responsiveness

  • Healthcare Model Change

  • Out of "institutional care" into mainstream society/community

For more on the History of Independent Living, Go to 
Ed Roberts, The Man, The Work, The Results
SKILLS AND METHODS

Rehabilitation Psychology

Cognitive and affective life after/during a setback can be very difficult. Many will need some professional help to reframe the intellect and the emotions to accept a new way of living. Others fill the spectrum of experiences and have similar and/or other needs. Regardless of the need we may have for psychological/affective help, some basic principles are fairly universal sources of educational wisdom:

  • Acceptance of impermanence makes dealing with changes easier

  • Space and time have hauntingly dramatic influence on positive thinking

  • Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs must be attended to

  • Empathic understanding is a 2-way street

  • The body has surprisingly powerful healing powers. If we pay attention, we can improve our situation by helping the body and calming the mind regularly.

REHABILITATION PHYSCHOLOGY

Gadgets, Prosthesis, and Technology

     Adaptive aids are critical components of successful independent living. Whether custom or off-the-shelf, access can make the difference between an environment that is feasible and one that is unacceptable. It sounds trite but the "I'll just make do" need not be the case in most instances. Today, gadgets, devices and technology are generally abundant. That is all well and good if you don't simply prefer a box of facial tissue available after #2, Please, Thank You.

     Here are a few tips and specifics to consider:

  • Find a mentor

  • Consider/try 'low tech' aids and modifications whenever possible

  • Allow creativity, imagination and practicality to influence problem-solving

  • Get expert advice

  • Try not to rush into anything unless the timing is obsolutally perfect.

Skills and Methods

Independent living skills range from general "life skills" like money management and job readiness to more complicated things like transportation, hygiene and dishwashing. I am very familiar with the full spectrum of independent living challenges and solutions. Below are examples of skills and methods having the greatest impact:

  • Economic decision-making, options, priorities and choices

  • Healthcare, medical and logistical support

  • Cognitive attitude, perseverance, courage, coping and love

  • Physical mobility and recreation

  • Mental focus, personal care, activities of daily living, social interaction and communication

If you found the section on independent living helpful, check out Overcoming Hurdles.
GADGETS, PROSTHESES, AND TECHNOLOGY
bottom of page