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the capabilities that you now have. You once again learn to optimize and enjoy your life to the best of your abilities.

You adapt, but it takes time, and it takes patience. Remember not to be too hard on yourself. Some aspects of your old life will just need a little adjustment to keep them in your current lifestyle, other aspects you will let go of, and replace with new more manageable goals.

If you were very physically active in the past, but discover that you can no longer rely on your physical strength, then you may now find yourself participating in less vigorous sporting activities. If your physical levels are drastically reduced you might find that you now take to enjoying these activities as a bystander or as a coach. A runner might now take to just enjoying a slow paced walk each day. A person now confined to a wheelchair may take to concentrating on upper body strength through weight training, yoga might now replace an aerobic workout, or simply splashing around in a pool may now replace doing laps. There are a large number of physical aides on the market to help in mobility, and the use of splints, a cane, a walker, or a wheelchair can get you up and moving again.

Making your home meet your needs can greatly improve your Independence and reduce your frustration levels. I used to say that I was only disabled when I had to feel like I was disabled. If your disability is not much of an issue in your day to day living activities, then it is much easier to adjust to, and a whole lot less frustrating to live with. Replace stairs with ramps, if this is not possible then move to a ranch style or handicap equipped home, so your mobility is not an issue. Bathrooms, and kitchens are two areas of the home that are most often not set up to meet the needs of the disabled, don't let yours bar you from using them! A shower can replace a bathtub if you are not able to access low levels. Handrails in the bathroom and bedroom can insure your safety. A raised toilet seat will reduce stress on fragile knees and help prevent falls. Taps that are easy to turn on and off will help prevent damage to hurt or fragile joints. Use jar openers, electric can openers, and other aides to reduce physical stresses whenever possible. Raising the upper part of your bed can help with breathing difficulties, as can an air ecologiser, and removing old carpets. Typing is easier than writing. Don't be ashamed to ask for a little help with cleaning or repairs. If your light bulbs are

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