Disabled teens nervous about the ‘real world’

I am 15 years old, a fourth-year student, and I am writing to you about the issues faced by disabled teenagers preparing themselves for college or university.

I am a teenager with a disability, so this is an issue close to my heart.

The first, and arguably the most pressing, issue faced by disabled teenagers as we advance in life is the difficulty of adjusting to the ‘real world’.

This occurs when a student has been mollycoddled in primary and/or secondary school, be it by a special needs assistant or by a teacher. Having previously had everything done for them (be it of their own choosing or not), it can be hard for these teenagers to learn to do things for themselves.

Also, while I cannot speak for everyone, some young people fear their disabilities may damage their employment prospects, a fear that increases significantly as they move towards this chapter of their lives.

Along the same vein, the lengthy process involved in being granted an adapted car sometimes turns young disabled drivers, such as myself, who are in need of one or more of the modifications available, away from driving.

This severely limits the freedom and quality of life that they can make for themselves away from home.

Aimee Godfrey

Two Hoots

Ludden Beg

Ballyneety

Co Limerick