My Supports

My Supports

There are a number of basic supports that I need on a daily basis.  One of the most basic is the financial support from my job and my husband’s job that provides for basic needs of food, clothing, transportation, housing, utilities, etc.   This financial support also provides funds necessary for paying tuition for my son and myself.   There are a wide variety of appliances and electronics that I rely on for a variety of reasons- a watch to keep track of time and a washer/dryer for keeping clothes clean for instance.  I am relatively self-sufficient and do not like being dependent on others but I do enjoy the support of my family for socializing, conversation and occasionally advice.  I do depend on the support of my husband.  I depend on him to help with things around the house, but the most important supports he provides are moral support, conversation and company.   He is the one who makes me laugh and reminds me of what is important and what is not.  My parents provided me with all of the supports I needed as I was growing up and to some degree still have an influence on what I currently perceive as needed supports. My faith provides spiritual support.   At work, I rely on the support provided by the policies and procedures.  These policies and procedures determine what I do, how I do it, when I do it and with whom I do it.  One of the most important supports at work comes from my co-workers.  I rely on them to help me make decisions, prioritize and for socialization.  My job also supports my self-esteem, my passion and my need to contribute to the greater good.  One of the greatest sources of support however comes in the form of routines and rituals that provide the structure and order that get me through the day successfully.  In a more global sense, I rely on all of the federal, state and local laws that protect my health, safety and rights as well as the support provided by others who follow these laws.  Common courtesies and basic manners act as supports when interacting with others.  There are also community and professional supports such as those provided by doctors, shopkeepers, farmers, etc.   

It would be difficult to do without some of these supports while I could make do without others.  The support from my husband, family faith and co-workers are essential to my overall well being.  The financial supports are also essential and while I could cope with less income, it would make some things like paying for tuition impossible.  Shelter and basic household goods, food and clothing are all necessary supports, but like many Americans, I could make do with less.  The support provided by electronics and appliances make life easier and offer convenience, but it is possible to find options or make adaptations.  I feel that I operate best when following my daily routines and rituals and it would be very difficult for me to operate without them for ver long.  The supports provided by the community and many professionals would be difficult to live without and their absence would affect my quality of life. 

If I was confined to a wheelchair, there are many additional supports that I would need.  Since my home is not handicap accessible, there are many things that I would not be able to do without support.  I would need help with basics like showering for instance.  Because there are many steps in my house, I would need help just getting in and out of my house.  I also could not do tasks like washing clothes, cooking, gardening and cleaning.  I would also need help with transportation.  It is likely that I would not be able to continue doing my job.  While the building is accessible, I could not effectively work with very young children from a wheelchair.  Because I would not be able to perform my current job, I would need support with finding another job.  I would most likely need additional financial support especially if I was not able to find a job.  If I was unable to work or had to working a field other than early childhood, I would need something that would support my passion and need to help others.  I would also need more medical support than I currently need.    Some appliances and electronics that I may have been able to do without would now either be of no use or would become more important.  For instance, an exercise machine that supports a healthy lifestyle would be of no use while a television may be of greater importance.  With the loss of my job, I would likely need some additional social supports. 

As with the supports listed above, each support provides for my health, safety, well-being and quality of life to varying degrees.