Positive Approaches Journal, Volume 10, Issue 2

Self-advocates United as 1 | 37-42

“What is something you are really looking forward to doing?”

People were very excited to talk about things for which they have been hoping and waiting. Several shared that they can’t wait to travel, out of town, overnight. Dreams of going to the movies, to concerts, to amusement parks, to family reunions, on a cruise, shopping in a store instead of online, and meeting friends for drinks were all talked about. Being able to see people in person, including family members and friends, and hugging them were also important. Everything they liked to do before the pandemic is important to them all. (See Figure 2.)

Figure 2

“How are folks feeling about returning to things in the community?’

Most are anxious, unsure, and nervous. Some are ready to go slowly and put themselves out there. For those in areas where masks are no longer mandated for vaccinated people, some feel anxious when they go out without a mask since they are so used to it. One person shared that he had been to a couple of festivals, and it felt weird because he didn’t recognize friends since it had been two years since he’d seen them. Others are looking forward to returning to some sense of normalcy, but their families are concerned that something else – especially another pandemic – may come, so are being very cautious. Some are worried because they don’t know if others are vaccinated, and some because people invade their sense of “space” when in public. Some are comfortable continuing to do things remotely, like using delivery for groceries and meetings online. A couple of people feel great and are excited, one can’t wait to go out and “spend the big bucks,” and another shared relief that it isn’t such a crisis anymore. One person felt the world had turned upside down, that the first are last and the last are first. He worries we will go back as a society to where we were before COVID, but hopes we continue to develop. (See Figure 3.)

Figure 3.

Do you feel people understand your concerns?”

We at SAU1 feel this is the most important question, because speaking up works only when people are listened to and heard.  Not surprisingly, the answers show that this is cause for great anxiety and worry. Many shared that others may not believe those who are worried or anxious, or may be surprised by our concerns, or just won’t want to hear about it. For those in rural areas, there are many people who have never been concerned or followed guidelines which shows that they will not listen to or understand others’ concerns. There are still people who think COVID was just a hoax and refuse to listen to science. Some don’t like that family, friends, staff, and others refuse to share whether they have been vaccinated. Some are scared about people who did not get the vaccine. One-person shared concern and bewilderment that some health care workers are choosing not to be vaccinated. Others are staying home or away from other people when they know their concerns will not be considered. (See Figure 4.)

Figure 4.

People with disabilities have many of the same dreams and hopes as most other people, even as a pandemic starts to wind down. They may be experiencing more worry and anxiety because of increased vulnerability due to existing health concerns. In this, as in all aspects of life, each person with disabilities must be encouraged to speak up, and others must truly listen and give them the same respect other people have to My Life, My Way.