For any disabled individual, there are obviously many challenges they face. Some are able to overcome those challenges using technology, while others have to learn to adapt to the world around them. Others have to rely on others in order to achieve any level of functionality.
Because each individual is unique, and therefore faces unique circumstances, it can be difficult to create services that are guaranteed to help everyone. And since each individual is different, there are very few services that are needed by everyone. But one issue which affects nearly all disabled individuals - whether they're physically, mentally, or otherwise disabled - is not having available transportation.
For disabled individuals, a simple trip to the grocery store or trips to the doctor's office can take hours of coordination, waiting, and travel time, only to go through it all again when they head home. What's even worse is that many disabled people aren't able to visit the various organization designed to help them - local charities and clinics - or access their services because they have no way of getting there.
Some city buses or other public transportation don't have wheelchair access, and some people aren't even able to make it to the bus stop or subway station or wherever else they need to go in the first place. Many individuals don't have family or friends who can take them where they need to go.
However, as technology and public funding has advanced, more and more cities have been able to develop and provide free services that disabled individuals so desperately need. Some provide regular transportation along predetermined routes, while others can provide home pickup and drop them off wherever they need to go.
And for those who are able to afford it, there are several investments they can make to provide their own transportation. While there are various private and public organizations for hire to help the disabled get to where they need to go, disabled individuals or their families can purchase or alter a vehicle (new or used) so it can handle a wheelchair, scooter, or other needs. While some of these services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance, some must pay for these services out of pocket.
Something the rest of us may take for granted - being able to pick up and drive wherever we want whenever we want - can be a tremendous challenge for those with disabilities. So if you feel so inclined, do what you can to support your local organizations dedicated to helping.
Scott Spjut is a writer and editor who has been featured in various magazines, newspapers and websites, including Newsweek, the Washington Post, CBS News and the Las Vegas Review-Journal. With a B.A. in Communications, he continues to write on a wealth of topics - politics, health and fitness, business, marketing and more. Scott currently works with Professional Marketing International helping people change their lives.
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