Tiara Workman

Study of Disabilities
Kit Giddings
Disability Simulation
For two days I participated in disability simulation. Choosing which disability to take on

for 24 hours was difficult. I started the day off by being mute. It was hard as I started off the day

I couldn’t even say “good morning” to Maple, my dog. However, being mute was short lived. I

chose to participate on days where I had work and school so I could get a full experience.

However, as I arrived at work and started my day it became very difficult to stay mute as my job

description includes answering phones. As that one was short lived, I chose another where I

could continue my duties at work. I decided to wrap a leg, I wore a medical ankle boot to get the

full effect.

One the second day I went to one of my fiancé’s band performance held at the Bountiful

recreation center amphitheater. At these performances I typically stay be myself or amongst

people I know. I interacted with a group of people my age who I had never met before. They

made rude comments, such as calling me a “cripple.” It made me so sad that they would

categorize the people with disabilities and be so insensitive. I tried to tell them how I felt about

what they said but they scoffed and left me alone. It was a really bad experience that I would

never even think this would happen. Socially, I was more excluded than usual. I always thought

experiences such as these were in the past and were only written about in books.

By the end of the second day I felt miserable. I was isolated and felt lonely. One of my

favorite things it taking my dog on a long walk but during this simulation wasn’t able to do so. I

wanted to have my mobility back, to be able to do the things I loved again. I had a newly

founded respect for people who become disabled later in life, trying to adjust plays with the
emotions. I never accepted it and only saw it as a burden. It helps that I had a short time frame. I

really struggled to focus on the positive during this experience, only focusing on how limited I

was.

On the first day I quickly learned how limited I was physically. Simple tasks such as

driving became unsafe. I had to have either my fiancé or my brother drive me around to work,

school, and appointments. It’s very hard for me to depend on other people as I have been very

independent for the last few years. Depending on others was very difficult and I felt like a burden

to them. My fiancé was a great sport when driving me around but my brother was less willing.

He mocked me and my inability to drive.

During this simulation most people didn’t ask or question the situation. My employer

didn’t ask or comment how my speed was slower. He was accepting of the circumstances.

Classmates did question or stare. Strangers starred as I limped around the grocery store and

around campus but I didn’t feel judgement. Strangers that I engaged with were thoughtless,

disrespectful, and rude. Others don’t have the same perspective and acceptance of others, with or

without disabilities. This experience was heartbreaking, lonely, and eye opening.