Translating Your Disability: Fostering Understanding

Have you ever felt like you need to translate your disability to the world around you? Just like we translate languages, sometimes we need to explain what our disability means and how it affects us.

This concept struck me recently while discussing masking. Many neurodivergent people spend a significant amount of energy masking their behavior to fit in. This means suppressing what’s truly happening in their brain and body to conform to social norms. This constant masking is draining, and recovery time is essential. This often translates to needing time alone, perhaps for video games or activities that provide calmness and comfort. Unfortunately, this alone time can be misinterpreted by loved ones.

Coaching clients often confide in me about needing this solitary space. Then, I hear from their family or friends worried they’re spending too much time isolated, on the computer, or playing games. They might encourage them to “socialize more.”

The reality is, we all likely mask to some degree in social situations. Regardless of disability, we all have needs that require translation for better understanding by others. Shame and the fear of being “different” can be significant barriers to this translation.

Imagine someone with partial vision impairment being invited to play pickleball. While they might love spending time with friends, the activity itself might not be accessible.

For myself, when I am exposed to chemicals and I start to lose my cognitive function, losing my balance and lose fine motor skills, the best thing to do is share what is happening to me and move to a safer space with no chemicals.  When I can’t move or function well the day after a chemical exposure, I need to translate what has happened and is happening to impede my cognitive function with whomever is interacting with me that day.

I could give thousands of examples of different disabilities. The truth is every person and their disability is unique. What they need and don’t need in the moment is different. The objective here is to increase awareness and conversation around this topic.

The good news? Effective translation of your disability leads to greater understanding by everyone involved.

Here’s the key takeaway: If you need to translate your disability, consider what you want to communicate and who needs to hear it.

I coach individuals with a wide range of disabilities, from visual and hearing impairments to autoimmune diseases, both visible and invisible, physical and cognitive. Each person desires to more effectively translate their disability, clear up misunderstandings, and gain more respect.

So, who needs to hear your disability story?

On the flip side, if you have someone with a disability in your life, are there questions you could ask or actions you could take to help them feel more understood? By fostering open communication and empathy, we can create a more inclusive and supportive world.