Two Keys to Disability Support By Darrel Collin

Familial Support and Work Accommodations: Two Keys to Disability Support

During times of distress or hopelessness, familial support and access to helpful resources are essential for coping with my disability. When living with a disability, it can often feel as though you are left to fend for yourself. However, knowing that there are people who support you and that you are not alone in caring for yourself makes an enormous difference.

Work-related resources are also crucial. Accommodations such as job protection during medical leave and opportunities to continue working within one’s limitations provide a sense of stability. These supports help me feel that I am not entirely at the mercy of my disability and that I retain some control over my life.

I have a condition called aplastic anemia, which causes extreme fatigue and shortness of breath. It also makes me more vulnerable to bruising, bleeding, and infections due to a weakened immune system. Family support plays a vital role in managing these challenges. My mother often takes me to medical appointments and helps me keep track of the many details involved in my treatment, especially when I am feeling unwell.

Workplace flexibility has also been incredibly important. Being allowed to adjust my schedule enables me to attend frequent and necessary medical appointments. Additionally, continued compensation during medical leave has been a tremendous help, particularly as I undergo a bone marrow transplant and am currently unable to work.

Together, family support and workplace accommodations have made a meaningful difference in my ability to manage my disability and maintain dignity, stability, and hope.

About the Author

Image Description: This image is a bit blurry, but it depicts a smiling young black man sitting on a bench in front of a yellow brick building. He has his hands clasped together, with a watch on his wrist, and is wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans.

Artist Bio

In this picture I was participating in a photoshoot aimed at telling my story . My story as an artist and the light that comes with being one . It took place in downtown Indianapolis, the city that birthed and shaped me to this day.

Darrel on the impact of support: In my times of distraught or hopelessness. Familial support and resources to succeed. Many times it can seem like one is left to their own demise when dealing with a disability. But to know that there people that have your back and that you have help taking care of yourself makes a world of a difference. And resources such as being able to leave work and have your job protected to having other work opportunities despite one’s restrictions. These things make me feel like I’m not at the mercy of disability and that I have some sort of control in my life . 

Darrel on his disability: I have a condition called aplastic anemia. It makes me very fatigued and short of breath. Also it makes me prone to bleeding and bruising as well as a weak immune system.