People with special needs are often viewed by what they “can’t” do. However, it’s important to note, just because an activity is more difficult for someone than others, that doesn’t mean people with special needs can’t do something. We’ve outlined a few activities and mentioned famous people with special needs who have done them to show what people with special needs can do.
Have Fulfilling Careers
While those with special needs face the greatest level of unemployment, this is not due to their inability to work but the prejudice those with disabilities often face in the job force. People with autism can be talented web developers. People with down syndrome can make incredible customer service representatives. Those with physical disabilities can do any job that does not require physical ability, like construction work or moving furniture. Here are some places in Dallas that make an active effort to hire people with special needs.
Live Independently
Any person with special needs who can obtain and keep a job can live independently, as long as they job they do pays them enough money to live on their own. Even those without a full-time job can live independently if they have support from the government and the people in their life. Because special needs are on such a wide spectrum, it’s true that there are many with special needs who are fully dependent on caregivers (if they’re unable to use the bathroom on their own, eat on their own, etc.). However, we want to make clear that there are many people with special needs who can and do live independently.
Go to College
People with special needs can absolutely attend college and graduate with a degree. This is becoming easier now that society is becoming more aware and accommodating to those with disabilities. Of course, we have a long way to go, but those with learning and cognitive disabilities can receive affordances like being able to take tests without being timed, being given alternate assignments, and more. Legally, colleges have to provide handicap accessible entries and accommodations for those with physical disabilities.
Make Music
Many different professional musicians have special needs. Ray Charles was blind, and Beethoven was deaf. These disabilities didn’t stop them from achieving their dreams. As long as a person is physically able to hold an instrument, they can make music in the traditional sense, and even if they can’t, there are so many electronic music apps out there that really anyone can make music. Thanks to technological advancements, people with special needs who may have trouble communicating can also:
- Clearly express their needs
- Fulfill work requirements
- Stay in touch with loved ones
- Order groceries if they have trouble getting out of the house
- Order medications
- Expand their knowledge on subjects they’re interested in
- And much more!
Make Scientific Discoveries
Stephan Hawking had ALS, which made moving nearly his whole body and speaking impossible. He was able to get around — to attend college, a doctoral program, have a family, make major scientific discoveries — in a motorized wheelchair and speak using a keyboard that read his messages aloud. Again, just because something is more difficult for someone doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
Make Change
People with special needs can be activists and make social change in their community. Mary Temple Grandin, a woman with autism, spread awareness about the distress “food” animals feel in captivity by writing several peer-reviewed articles and books on the subject. She speaks often about humane handling of livestock. To that point, people with special needs can also be writers and public speakers.
Act in Movies & TV Shows
There are so many actors with special needs today. Jamie Brewer, an actress with down syndrome, can most easily be recognized for the roles she plays in American Horror Story. In the third season, her special needs aren’t even discussed. She is just one of the many characters. This normalizes special needs and reminds people that people with special needs are people first!
RJ Mitte, an actor with cerebral palsy, got his claim to fame by playing the son of the main character in Breaking Bad. You’ve probably seen Marlee Matlin in more shows and movies than you realize. She’s the most popular actress who experiences deafness.
Play Sports
We’ve written before about special needs athletes, but really anyone with special needs can be an athlete, regardless of their ability level. Thanks to the Special Olympics, each track and field sport can be modified to meet an individual’s specific abilities. There’s also likely sports teams in your community that accommodate those with special needs. You’ll easily find a special needs baseball or basketball team near you!
Exercise
People with special needs can exercise and live a healthy lifestyle. Most exercises can be modified to enable those with differing abilities to complete them. And that includes any kind of exercise — from strength training, flexibility training, cardiovascular exercises, and much more. If you have special needs or if you have a child with special needs, consider signing up for private training sessions or boot camp classes with Special Strong. All of our personal trainers and group fitness instructors are certified to work with people with special needs. They have experience working with many different types of special needs, so they know how to alter exercises to make them more attainable for you. We focus on what our clients can do, not what they can’t.