Disabilities Toolbox | Art Piece

On a brown background, a drawing of a blue box with various tools such as Hearing devices (Cochlear Implant and Hearing Aid), FM System (microphone), Captioning, Notes (Phone and Notebook), ASL (American Sign Language), Medication for Pain, Tracker Notes (for flare-ups and sensory overloads), Sleep Mask, Heat and Cold Packs, Sunglasses.

Living with disabilities means that physically and mentally, I carry around a toolbox. A toolbox filled with all of my devices, aids, treatments, routines, and notebooks to keep up with the life I need and want to live. It feels like a lot, especially when many of the tools in my toolbox are situation specific or not entirely effective but are easier for the people around me. Maybe one day I will have the toolbox filled with things that I appreciate using and find more helpful overtime once society updates built environments, information, and attitudes to be more accessible and inclusive. For now, below are some of my frequently used tools.

• Hearing devices (Cochlear Implant and Hearing Aid)

• FM System (microphone)

• Captioning

• Notes (Phone and Notebook)

• ASL (American Sign Language)

• Medication for Pain

• Tracker Notes (for flare-ups and sensory overloads)

• Sleep Mask

• Heat and Cold Packs (Specifically neck)

• Sunglasses

Amanda