Today I would like to share some accommodations and accessibility tools I rely on to make life a little easier. Hopefully this list will give you some ideas and inspire you to do the same for yourself.
(1.) I have realized I can no longer attend multiple functions on the same day, especially not without significant time in between. For example, if I go to an event at my mom's followed by a gathering at my dad's, I need several hours of transition time at home to rest. Since this usually isn't possible, I have to decide whether to attend one or neither. This has required me to be firm and set boundaries with people who are not used to it, meaning I have disappointed them. This has been hard for me, but it has been worth it.
(2.) Delivery apps are accessibility tools, not a luxury. It's okay to rely on DoorDash for meals, use Instacart for groceries, and order necessities from Amazon. Some of us cannot just run to the store, and/or we may struggle to prepare food some days. Many people criticize others for using delivery services, and their lack of understanding is an indication of their privilege. It does not mean we have failed, are lazy, or any of the other judgmental things people may say.
(3.) Similarly, packaged foods, and frozen meals are accessible foods. Fed is best, they say. It is more challenging to eat healthy foods this way, but it isn't impossible. One reason I used to consume so much junk food is it was easy to grab. Pre-packaged nutritious snacks, sliced fruits, steam in bag veggies, cooked meats, frozen meals, string cheese, and protein bars or shakes, are all great examples of accessible food options.
(4.) There is nothing wrong with using a smart water bottle. I used one to help improve my water intake, and the reminders plus gamification really helped me. It won't make sense to some people; some may even call it pointless and say it was a waste of money. That just means it isn't for them and they're not living your life. Keep doing what works for you. Other alternatives include setting reminders to drink water, getting a water reminder app, and logging your water intake yourself. Figure out what works for you and do that without shame.
(5.) For sensory reasons, I used to struggle to wash my face. Now I use Micellar water and round cotton pads and I'm able to cleanse my face every day. It's a great option for anyone who has trouble with this for any reason, whether it be sensory issues, depression, illness, etc. They also have cloths you can buy with soap in them, so you can bathe with just a little water and rinsing is not required. If you struggle with washing your face, you may also have difficulty bathing, and that's okay.
(6.) It's okay to use floss picks instead of regular floss. Dental hygiene wasn't a priority for me for many years. I simply wouldn't think about it unless I had somewhere to go. Although I would brush my teeth, I rarely flossed because I hated the sensation of the floss and wrapping it around my fingers. This all changed when I made dental hygiene part of my daily routine and I started using flossers/floss picks. Most people probably think flossers are for children, but they are for anyone who needs them. I am someone who needs them, and that's okay. I went from rarely flossing to doing so every day. I am proud of that. If you also struggle to brush your teeth, there are accommodations for this as well, such as sensory-friendly toothpaste, toothbrushes you hold in place that do the rest of the work for you, and toothbrushes that have the toothpaste already on them so you can brush your teeth anywhere, even if you can't get out of bed.
(7.) More accessible nail trimmers exist. People have always said nail biting is due to anxiety, but as it turns out, this is not the case for me. Although I have anxiety, I bite my nails to keep them short and at the same length. I need tactile feedback from the tips of my fingers, and I cringe when longer nails bend. Additionally, I struggle with traditional clippers. I hate the sensation of the clipper clamping down on my nail and it is easy to accidentally clip the nail too short. Recently, my partner bought me this nail clipper called the Edjy, and I'm cautiously optimistic. It will take some getting used to, but eventually I should be able to use it instead of biting my nails. There is a guard that helps prevent the nail from being cut too short, and it keeps all the clippings contained until you're ready to empty them into a trash can. I recommend it for anyone who struggles to clip their nails for any reason.
(8.) Storing cleaning supplies where they will be used is a great life hack. I have always struggled to keep a consistent cleaning routine. I love living in a clean space, but I easily get overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done. So, one thing I've started doing is keeping cleaning supplies where they will be needed. This means that when I decide I want to clean the bathroom mirror, for example, I can grab the glass cleaning foam and take care of it while it's on my mind and I have the motivation to do it.
(9.) More accessible options for cleaning toilets exist. Toilets get disgusting, and so do the brushes you use to clean them. Well, do you know they have a kit with a handle and 36 disposable sponges that have cleaning solution in them? You just pop a sponge onto the handle, scrub the toilet bowl, then release the dirty sponge into the trash. Since it has made the job so much easier, I feel less resistance to doing it, which means I am able to tackle this disgusting job more regularly, meaning the toilet isn't as dirty when I have to do it! That is definitely a win!
(10.) Difficulty with vacuuming does not mean you're lazy. I have always hated vacuuming! The noise, it's so loud; the vibration in my hand, it's horrible! Noise cancelling headphones help a lot of people, but they don't help me because I need to hear my surroundings. They, of course, don't help with the vibration issue either. You know what does work? A robot vacuum! They are much quieter and they've gotten very good in recent years. Most of them even come with auto-empty docks to take care of the mess for you, so you rarely have to do any maintenance. They have them at various price points, too. If you have a robot vacuum on a schedule, it will keep your floors pretty clean. For spot cleaning on occasion, it is good to have a little cordless vacuum. I don't like the way it feels in my hand either, but it's tolerable for short sessions and it isn't as loud. If you also struggle with vacuuming, maybe one or both of these options will help you.
That's all I have to share for now. I hope something on this list sparks ideas for you to make your life more accessible. Small changes can make a big impact! Living life as a disabled person is going to be challenging, but anything that makes your life easier is worth it. Keep going. If you're reading this, you're on the right track. Sending love to everyone!