Blog | Tag: Independence

Most people rely on other people, services, systems, and technology every day. We use GPS to find our way, transportation to get where we need to go, doctors for health care, coworkers to get a job done, and family or friends for help when we need it. We rarely treat those kinds of support as proof that someone is not independent. But disability-related support is often viewed differently. A person may use personal assistance, accessible transportation, assistive technology, communication support, benefits counseling, or help with daily tasks and still be treated as though receiving support means having less independence.

As of November 2025, many people in Florida and across the United States are living through a federal government shutdown. When the government stalls, essential services slow down or stop. For people with disabilities and their families, this means real uncertainty about food, health care, housing, and more. In these difficult moments, it is natural to wonder: When the system fails, who steps in to help?

Many people think assistive technology (AT) is just a convenience—like a high-tech gadget that makes life easier. But for people with disabilities, AT is essential for independence, communication, and full participation in everyday life.

I have a disability in which I have low vision and I only can see centrally from my left eye. My disability not only has to do with my vision, but also in my way of perceiving and making decisions. I use a system called Supported Decision-Making (SDM). How I define Supported Decision-Making is when you have family or friends who help you decide. They can give you perspective on the pros and cons, but the idea is still to ultimately make the decision on your own.