Aging and Disabled

With all of the recent talk of the coronavirus and the uncertainty of…everything. I decided to change the emphasis of my blog. I am on the board of the Salem County Office on Aging and Disability Services (Advisory Board) and I realize that there can be a lot of similarities between the needs of the senior and disabled populations. As a senior, I notice that I can benefit from many of the same accommodations that are a benefit to our disabled population.. As an example, curb cuts have been very important in improving safe mobility to individuals in a wheelchair, but anyone that has pushed a baby carriage and has packages in their hand, can also recognize the benefit. Kitchen aids that help with opening bottles and jars are great for helping the disabled, but as we get older and our hand strength is reduced, it is a help for seniors as well. The list goes on and on.

The Office on Aging and Disability Services in Salem County serves the senior and disabled populations and I see the value in this approach. Although funding is a factor for this union, I am starting to realize that we need to focus on accommodations that address issues that focus on helping all of us become more able when we experience the need for assistance. I have also been part of the “sandwich generation” and know what it is like to care for children and parents. The more I volunteer with disabled populations, the more I realize that we need to focus on helping all populations in becoming more able and spend less time labeling different populations.

Going forward with my blog, I am going to try to focus on ideas and programs that able people and try not to focus as much on disability. The reality is that all of us throughout our lives have times that we need the help of others. I am going to focus on ideas, programs and local events that focus on making it easier to become able in our journey through life.