For many people, the prospect of living a full life after becoming disabled is difficult. If you feel this way, it is important to know that you are not alone. Depending upon the type of injury, you may be facing a life that requires help, care, or ongoing medical issues, but you can still have a happy and bright future.
The key to life after disability, whether your work injury has effected your vision, mobility or mental wellbeing, is adaptation and acceptance. Two of the best ways do this are by adapting your living environment and talking to a counsellor.
However, many newly disabled people also worry about feeling fulfilled and being self sufficient. So here is some advice to help you find happiness and economic stability.
Find A New Hobby
Prior to injury, you probably had a wide range of interests and hobbies, but many of these may now be unsuitable or unmanageable. Accepting and facing this fact is something that many newly disabled people find hard to deal with. However, depending upon your disability, there are a huge amount of creative, active and rewarding hobbies that you can pursue. If you enjoy writing, you could start a blog, try your hand at poetry, or start a book. If you like to be creative, sign up for painting, pottery or jewellery making classes. You could learn a new language, master a new instrument or join a disabled sports team.
Work and Benefits
After disability, many people worry that they will not be able to work. This is often troublesome as jobs provide a sense of purpose, satisfaction and fulfilment. However, the brilliant news is that most disabled people are able to work in one capacity or another. You may not be able to return to the job you previously held, but there are many suitable roles out there. If your disability prevents you from working, aim to fill your time with volunteering activities that make a difference.
You may also be entitled to a number of disability benefits that can help you to pay for care, treatment and living costs. Citizens Advice have information about the different types of benefits and how to claim.
Claiming for Compensation
As well as disability benefits, you may also be entitled to compensation for your injury at work. If at the time of your accident your employer had breached any of the health and safety duties or practices listed in The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, they can be held accountable. Whether you were injured in a fall, on a construction site or in an office environment, there are specialist injury solicitors who can help. A solicitor will work on your behalf offering impartial advice and secure the appropriate amount of compensation that you deserve.
