In
this Section:
Other
Sections:
|
Dealing
with Amputations: Challenges
|
Intro | Tasks | Prosthetics
| Being Different | Summary
|
Introduction
There are always some advantages in a situation, but in the case of a
physical disability, there are definitely a number of reasons why having
the disability is a negative thing. People are called disabled. It is
implied that people are not as “abled”, or capable, as most
other people. This negative attitude causes many problems for the disabled.
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Tasks
Obviously, those who are disabled may not be able to do everything that
everyone else does. Some tasks may take longer to do with one hand, for
example, than with two. Some tasks really do require two hands. Using
the monkey bars, for example, unquestionably require both hands. Other
tasks, such as tying shoes or doing one’s hair, may take years to
master with only one hand. Even after mastering such skills as these,
it will still take longer to perform certain tasks. The world was made
for “complete” people, and those who are disabled may need
assistance mastering this world.
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Prosthetics
With the help of prosthetics,
those who are disabled are able to complete more tasks. Prosthetics aren’t
always completely helpful, however. There are some disadvantages to using
prosthetics. First, they are sometimes uncomfortable. Some prosthetics
rub body parts and irritate the skin. Others have halters that may cut
into the skin. Aside from the occasional discomfort of prosthetics, they
can also be heavy and weigh one down. Prosthetics that are associated
with a particular task may be challenging to use because they are specific
to the task. For example, a prosthetic used to play the violin is only
used for playing the violin. So, in addition to carrying the instrument
itself, the amputee must also carry his or her prosthetic device - a task
not easy for a person with just one hand. Although prosthetics are extremely
helpful tools, there are problems associated with them as well.
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Being Different
Those with physical disabilities just look different.This is especially
difficult for teenagers. Many teens are caught up in the trends of the
day. What designer purse is hot? What store has the “coolest”
clothes? Teenagers often obsess about looks. They spend hours picking
out the right outfit, doing their makeup, doing their hair, or just trying
to look good. Many teens actually aren’t very confident with the
way they look and have self-esteem issues. Looking different does not
help with these peer-related issues. Teens with physical disabilities
may have a harder time accepting themselves. Looking different does make
life more difficult.
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Summary
In life, there are upsides and downsides to being an amputee. There are
reasons having a physical disability may be an okay thing, and times when
it may seem like the end of the world. In truth, a person with a physical
disability really is just like anyone else. They go through some different
circumstances and have some different challenges. Those who have a physical
disability know that all too well. But, as the saying goes, “It
takes sunshine and rain to make a rainbow.”
Our
website is built on this premise: in order to manage a disability, a person
must have a positive attitude and see the good with the bad.
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