Are you someone who has multiple disabilities? If so, we can understand the extreme struggles you face in life. It is hard enough having only one disability. Having two or more disabilities can probably feel quite disheartening.
What are multiple disabilities?
If a person has multiple disabilities, he or she has at least two disabling conditions. Often a person with multiple disabilities will have three or more.
“Multiple disabilities, by its very name, means that an individual usually has more than one significant disability, such as movement difficulties, sensory loss, and/or a behavior or emotional disorder.”
Children are often the ones affected by multiple disabilities.
What are the signs and symptoms of combined disabilities?
Since the possible disability combinations are endless, it is difficult to pin down exact symptoms of multiple disabilities. Still, there are some distinguishing characteristics that usually accompany combined disabilities. These can include:
– “Trouble generalizing skills from one situation to another”
– Difficulties with communication and speech
– Difficulty with mobility
– “A need for support of major life activities”
– Forgetting skills due to not utilizing them often enough
What are some possible disability combinations?
That is hard to say, as there can be many different disability combinations. One combination may be a visual disability paired with a mental disability. An example of this combination could be a person who is both clinically depressed and blind or visually impaired.
Another disability combination could be an intellectual disability along with a sensory disability. An example of this combination may be a child who is deaf or hearing impaired and who has mental retardation.
What is your personal disability combination?
Do you have multiple disabilities? If so, what are they? This week Disability Living is discussing multiple disabilities, how technology can help those who have them, resources for people with multiple disabilities, inspirational stories about individuals with numerous disabilities, the results of having more than one disability, education for children with combined disabilities, and more.
Disability Living is an online community for Canadians with disabilities — this includes individuals with multiple disabilities.
If you have combined disabilities, you may feel like you have no sounding board on which to vent your frustrations, share your life tips, and communicate with others. The Disability Living blog is that place. Feel free to comment on our blog posts this week as we discuss multiple disabilities in Canada.
Sources:
http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/mo/g/multiple_disabi.htm
http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/publicschoolprograms/g/ideadefiniton.htm
http://nichcy.org/disability/specific/multiple
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple_disabilities
Image made available by Matthew Fang on Flickr through Creative Commons License.
*Please note: All research for this article is compiled from direct and third party sources. Mention of programs, organizations and companies does not imply support of The National Benefit Authority. Pictures are for creative purposes only; they are not intended to sell or promote products for the NBA and belong to the accredited individual, organization or company.
Let’s Talk About It
Do you have more than one disability? What disabilities do you have?
Do you feel you are able to freely discuss your multiple disabilities? Why or why not?
I have multiple disabilites albeit I still function normally to most. I have learned how to cope or mask in front of others. I have depression, anxiety, ADHD and learning disabilities. My depression is not as servre as it has been in the past and I still have days when I can’t get out of bed but because I have a child and responsibilites I push through and function numbly. My anxiety holds me back from many social encounters and many job opportunites. Most of the time the ADHD and the learning disabilites are a gift to me as I think and learn differently it gives me a different perspective to see from. I have recieved many tools to assist me in my continuing education such as a laptop with a special reading program on it and tools to help me stay organized and take notes more effectively. Although I do well in school most of the work takes me three times longer to complete than most of my classmates. As a mature student I have learned that no matter what challenges I have I am strong and low self esteem has nothing to do with not acheiving my potential. I have proven that, and no matter how well I do in school it does not change how I feel about myself because the depression and anxiety hold me back. Through it all I maintain hope and faith that one day I will break free.
I hear you. I have known I had Multiple Sclorosis for the pasr 22 years. Had ulcerative colitis till 2 and half years ago. when my colon was removed. And I have known about Diabetes for about 6 years now. Stay strong everyone, lean on your support system always if needed. Take it one day at a time. Have something in your life that you are proud of of. It will help you get to the next day.
I have lived with anxiety all my life. I was in your situation many years ago when I left my husband and moved to Vancouver with a small child in tow….she was 3 at the time. I existed on welfare for 4 months and because there was no money left over after paying rent, hydro and phone, I had to take a job, the best one available to me. I took a job at a hospital and it was very frightening for me. I was a high school drop-out and had no skills other than waitressing. I felt like a fried egg, all crusty around the edges. I hadn’t dealth with any of my early life issues of abuse or what happened to me when I was 17 and had alot of anxiety about going out in public places….a mild form of agoraphobia. But I could not exist or subsist as I call it on welfare. I took the job at the hospital even though I had alot of anxiety but soon things changed for me and life got better. I went to church and asked God to help me be strong so I could raise my daughter and I prayed every night for peace. I believe that God really helped me to be strong and secure at such an important time in my life when my daughter needed me the most. I would recommend church and prayer as a way to combat depression, anxiety, etc. No problem is too great or too small for God to handle.
I started out I suppose with Ashma,a brain tumor and high blood pressure! After radiation treatments I then had fibromualgia, so now I have a brain tumor, fybromyalgia, High blood pressure,diabete’s,Ashma,inability to sleep,a sensativity to cold and hot water.
I live with multiple disabilities, that can sometimes be overwhelming. First of the most outstanding is Klienfelters Syndrome, which I was born with, and over the years I’ve developed physical problems, such as neck, back, legs, and feet problems.
I also suffer from debilitating migraine, and cluster headaches, which make going outside on sunny days, a bit of challenge. Sunglasses do help, but only if I don’t have a headache.
So I do understand the shortfalls that other people who have far worse conditions than I, have do deal with.
I never even had a family Doctor until about 8 years ago.
Now I have several disabilities which include 2 strokes, a minor heart attact, interstitial lung disease along with other health issues.
I have acute chronic osteoarthritis,and fibromyalgia,and diabetes causing nerve damage.I also suffer from post
traumatic stress disorder. I’ve had these problems for at least seven years,and have not worked during this time.
My mobility is adversly affected,but it’s the pain that is the worst thing.In all this time I feel my doctor has done
very little to help me, even though I see him at least once a month.
All of this added together has caused me to suffer from major depression for the last seven years also.
To sum it all up: osteoarthritis-fibromyalgia-diabetes-PTSD, and major depression.I’m just waiting to die.
Everyday is a big challenge to those of us with osteoarthritis and fibromyelgia. We deal with the kind of debilitating pain every day that would put the average ‘healthy’ person into a tailspin and we also have to deal with many health professionals who seem to see us as hypochondriacs instead of treating us with dignity! It is small wonder that many of us also deal with depression! I have a craft/art that allows me to express myself in beautiful ways even though I cannot work at it as often as I would like to, I am a cedar bark weaver of traditional First Nations and contemporary basketry. I have found a peacefulness while working my art that allows me to transcend the bad days and gives me something to look forward to each day. I hope that you too can find something to help you through those awful, painful, depressing days to see a way past the worst of it. I take a LOT of pain meds and cannot be employed because of all of my health issues but try to look past that, for me, huge disappointment. Keep faith and keep fighting for your right to dignity!
I have Epilipsy. My epilepsy effects me in the brain where I can’t find the right words to make my sentences make sence and my memory is effected where it’s difficult to remember things in every day living. As I get older the memory is making that issue get even worse. My medications I take for my Epilepsy and my Underactive Thyroid, have so many side effects that it effects me no matter what kind of job I do with mood swings, being tired quite often, an itchy scalp, weak teeth and gums, wanting to nap alot, weight gain, stress. I usually get written up or spoken to by the boss at least 2 times a month.
I hurt both wrists and forearms the year before the accident at work that herniated L5.Now due to no one helping I have a herniation at L3.They are not visible,but they are there.It is impossible for me to get a job due to the fact I will NOT lie.Since the accident I have basicly lost my whole life.I am depressed,hurt all the time,have stomach troubles due to this,and also have panic attacks.I have been evicted because no one will listen,help out,and I have very little money.Thank you!
DEAR DIABILITY LIVING BLOG;
HI,HOW ARE YOU DOING?MY NAME IS KIM,I AM A 47-YEAR-OLD FEMALE LADY(I JUST TURNED 47 ON APRIL 1ST) WITH MULTIPLE DISABILITIES.I AM LEGALLY BLIND WITH VERY LITTLE VISION AND I USE A WHITE CANE.I HAVE ASTHMA,ARTHRITIS,I AM LEARNING DISABLED AND I HAVE SOME HEALTH ISSUES AS WELL.EVEN THOUGH I HAVE THESE PROBLEMS I AM AS INDEPENDENT AS I CAN BE AND I GET AROUND TOWN BY THE BUS AND TRAIN,AND SOMETIMES MY MOM,AUNT AND BROTHER DRIVE ME AROUND TOWN. SOMETIMES MY DISABILITIES AND HEALTH ISSUES GET ME DOWN AND I ALWAYS FIND WAYS TO KEEP MY MIND OFF OF THEM BY FINDING THINGS TO DO AND GOING ON WALKS TO FIND ANIMALS TO PET ETC.HOW DO OTHER PEOPLE WITH MULTIPLE DISABILITIES DEAL WITH THEIR DISABILITIES AND HEALTH ISSUES?I REALLY LOVE THE DISABILITY LIVING BLOG,KEEP UP WITH THE GOOD WORK ON THE WEBSITE.
i cant walk ;;;i have diabete….i have osteoartritis….toyrodes,,,yes i can talk about my desibility but its ard and i hate myself i to depend on my husband all the time
Hi everyone, yes I have more than on disability. unfortunately, only two can be seen, obesity and mobility problems. the mobility problems came first, severe pain in my shins on both legs, serious pain could not walk more than five or six steps before I had to sit down and wait until the pain subsided, could not stand in one spot for more than 30 seconds or so. Naturally, the obesity followed. I swam for the exercise for several years and then my diabetes got so bad I got leg and foot ulcers so could not longer swim. I guess the final straw was I kept complaining to my physician that I was getting a kind of electrical shock when I laid down at night. One day at work I had a lulu while sitting in my chair doing some computer work, I was rushed to the doctors and was diagnosed as severe nerve damage to my audio nerves. I went deaf very quickly. Had to leave my job years before I intended. So, that is my condensed story thanks for listening. Donna
a while ago we received a package for my wife Renee to apply for the disability program.
my wife lost or misplaced the envelop and she can’t find it anymore.
is it possible to receive another pacakge?
thank you for your cooperation.
best regards,
carlo locicero
Thanks for asking – I’ve forwarded your question to the appropriate person who can answer this for you!
No , I worked 35 years at Kroger , and caleld in sick 3 times in all those years . 2 years ago , I had a stroke , at age 54 . I can’t work anymore , I would love to . How can you brand me as a welfare case ? You are totally unfair . I didn’t ask to be sick .
In 2001 I was diagnosed with Idopathic liver disease from Hep C and I was over all so far in the hospital for 8 months plus and another 3 months in G. F. Strong as a out patient. I recieved my Orthotpic Liver Transplant on Dec 2006.I had hundreds of prosezuers, along with being on life support three different times and was code blue serveral times. The transplant was a major success, however Tacrolumis caused me to have Ataxia Dsyarthria, and Sirlomus caused me to end up with Pulmonary Fibrous, and Cycorsporine is affecting my kidneys. Myclocephante put me in ER for a week. I have had 33 scopes with 16 internal bleeds still not fixed. I had 10 Paracentsis, I had c-diff 3 times, I had pertinitis twice. Today I am still bleeding from Gastric Atrum Vascular Estasia, and Ataxia Dsyarthria, and Pulmonary Fibrous, Tinitntis, Thyroid Dysfuntion, and Chronic Herpes Zoster Oticus, Chronic Pain,and Prone to Hpertension The Neurologist said I would never work again as I was 24 hour care withm the loss of speech, and could not for myself feed, bathe, dress, toilette, transfer, and was incontant. I was off work for six years. I took myself off diability income and went back to school and recieved three college diplomas, and was hired for insurance sales in Feb 2008. At present I manage a block of Business and taking more night school courses, I will be having more surgery soon for some ongoing complications. I am married to my wife for 36 years and have 3 children and four Grandchildren, I am surely blessed.
I have multiple injuries degenerative disc disease bilateral carpal tunnel, bilateral rota tor cuff tears and post concussion syndrome.
Multable disabilites effect me more than people know as ive learned different ways to get around it.First i suffer from deppresion which was made worse when in 2003 i was living with my Mom and after supper one night she started to do the dishes and i went to my room for something and heard a thump.When i got to the kitchen Mom was laying there.I called 911 and started CPR but inside i knew she was gone.I could add more but thats enough of that.I dont like phones and suffer from panic anxiety disorder and dont like to be in a close group of people.My eye sight and memory are getting bad and im only 56.Thats all for now.
My N.B.A. client no. is 23317.
I have multi-disibilities and I wonder if these might qualify as such.
Spinal Stenosis; I.B.S.; and C.O.P.D.
As a result of these conditions, I am encountering more problems
ie. Difficulties walking and breathing. I have spent a considerable
amount of money purchasing air filtering machines in an effort to
aid in breathing.
Thanks for asking – I’ve forwarded your question to the appropriate person who can answer this question for you!
I have acute chronic osteoarthritis,and diabetes causing nerve damage.I also suffer from post
traumatic stress disorder, I have had Osteosynthesis, Trachiotomy, Craniotomy, (since 1972), Discotomy, Acute Ulcer, Diverticolities, all leaving me with multiple disorders with a very damaged Right Knee. I’ve had these problems for at least 40 years,and have not worked during the past 6 years. To add a triple Bypass surgery since 11 October 2011.
My mobility is adversly affected,but it’s the pain that is the worst thing.In all this time I feel my doctor has done
very little to help me, even though I see him at least once a month.
All of this added together has caused me to suffer from major depression for the last seven years also.
To sum it all up: osteoarthritis-diabetes, and major depression Incapacitated and unable to walk, unable to ascend nor descend strairs, unable to lift any weight above the abdominal area, unable to squat, kneel, nor sit cross legged, running as well as sitting, is very tough with CPD, Chronic Pain Dissability. My immediate priority is to get adaquate housing with minimum obstascles and able to live closeb to my community members, who could help me with physical help and food needs. I will be turning 60 in a year and a half. Please help me start with that so I could live a healthy life.
Cauda Equina Syndrome is a serious back injury and needs surgery within 48 hours or you will end up with paraplegia and multiple other issues all related to your bodily functions below the waist. Most doctors are very unaware and often send you to a phsychiatrist, denying there is any such thing, probably not even heard of it. it ruins lives, causes suicides, family breakups and so much suffering for the afflicted. Since this happened to me I aquired an even rarer syndrome which is an auto immune , proggresive disease called Stiff Person’s Syndrome, my whole central nervous system is wacked out and now I need multiple heavy meds every day plus a plasma infusion every 3 weeks. I have also aquired pernicious anemia meaning B12 shots every 2 weeks. I have other less serious conditions all caused by the neglect of the doctors. They even had me doubting my own sanity. It took 15 years to diagnose me, yet Doctor’s do not know about Stiff Person’s Syndrome and doubt my claims until they read the report from the specialist. To tell you what it was like to be treated like I was a liar, pill seeker and crazy for all those years would fill a book. I struggle every day to survive and find a lot of prejudice and disregard for the disabled by those who are not. In a good note there are many who go out of their way to be helpfull. I wish I had the opportunity to make this public and sue some of those who destroyed my life and put me on the street by covering up for this one doctor who said I was making things up. Thanks for listening.
so where talking about disabilites ,well lost my lower right leg in may of last year lost vision in right eye in nov due to fall in a wheelchair on dyalis 3 times week a flutering heart beat,diabetic pich nerve in lower back must have been a real burger pass life but my grandauters god love them think i am a pirate i look at life you have to smile takes a hold of it some day’s are good some are bad,bad days are a blur i savor the good ones good to able to get to talk about this
Hi every one..I have more than 1 disability..I have recieved numerous emails from this site . but never bothered to read any of it because i felt no one cared any way..I have a head injury..Major nerve damage in both legs from an accident..pain is bad in both of them 24/7..I also have chrons disease..and recently told by doctor i will be getting dementia…..I am lost..I have no family..no real friends to speak of..and don’t know who to speak to any more..i have lind of giv en up..i have no community support..or community worker..because they can not handle my conditions..and i yell at them..hence they cut me off help..so i am on my own..i stay in a lot..as i can not walk much..or forget where i am going..i forget to eat or afraid to eat.because i get sick….So here i sit..lost..dazed and confused…I am 57 years old..What can i do?
I Knew I had COPD, but lately it was upgraded to an ‘Acute Copd’, plus the fact that I have a partial collapsed lung, had a few strokes, have angina attacks more or less on a weekly basis. Am a double amputee,( below the knee’s), Have three herniated Disc’s plus the bottom one is Shot, so cannot wear my prosthesis, for my legs. Try and stand for a few seconds, and my whole body goes limp, with so much pain, it cripples me. Things that I could do a year ago, I cannot do now, due to fatigue and extreme shortness of breath. I have OXYGEN in my home and am hookred up to it most of the time. They won’t give me a portable oxygen tank, because I smoke, so it dampens my chances of getting out more. Perfume is the killer for me, it cuts the breath right out of me. On top of all this, I have a very deep depression, and people wonder why?
I do have disabilities but I still work, I have a disability card for parking. I have osteo-arthritis, chronic back pain for the rest of my life, which makes it hard to sit or stand for even a few minutes, I had both full knee replacements which makes it difficult when it is cold out, I have high blood pressure, was just recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and I have migraines. All this makes it difficult to make it through the day but I have no choice to make it because I am only 54, have school children yet, need to pay my bills so I have to work.