Top 10 Suggestions for Giving Gifts to People with Paralysis

Good Morning,

Last week I shared an alternative Christmas story, this week I thought I'd provide a slightly different take on another holiday tradition--GIFT GIVING!!!

Top 10 Suggestions for Giving Gifts to People with Paralysis

1. Don’t ask them to go try it on for you. This is the opposite spirit of gift giving because you now are asking them to do a workout.

2. Realize that the hug is optional. A simple nod, thumbs up or fist bump can hold just as much meaning and appreciation and is much easier on the balance muscles.

3. Have a little organization to the photo ops. After wassailing and feasting, it never hurts to get up and move some furniture around. Let the one with the least mobility choose where they would like to stand or sit then others fill in accordingly. *Caution try to avoid the disability Santa effect. This is the tendency for the disabled person to be in the center of EVERY photo...

4. Go light on the tape. Although not great for the environment, gift bags are best. I have come to enjoy the challenge of Grandma's four sided Scotch tape safety seal but I think this is rare. Remember noooobody likes having their presents opened for them.

5. Remember "Humility is the love of truth over the love of self." I think this means don’t get too excited with yourself if you come up with the perfect disability item...like... no skid slippers! when what they really want are night vision binoculars!!! It's very good to be humble in our practice of generosity.

6. Also, important, adapted technology for the home can be a bad item for anyone during the holidays, for example, the talking scale.

7. Returns are never easy but they can be a total bear if one must do this pushing a wheelchair through the howling wind of January. A good rule of thumb here is to ask yourself could I write a believable thank you note for this gift I am about to give? If the answer is NO put the item back...or down and just hand out cash.

8. Think your options through. A massage is a wonderful gift. Take a mental test drive through the facilities is it accessible? Are there qualified people there to help? A day of pampering can quickly turn into a day of weird if nude assistance arrives unexpectedly or is unfortunately required.

9. Time and attention. Never rush the disabled person. A special gift you can give is to show genuine interest in letting them tell you their story.

10. Lastly, if you need gift ideas or suggestions

5 items I love because they make my life easier

my wheelie cart
heated neck wrap (it's filled with some kind of good smelling seeds and heats in the microwave)
my Buddha bowl (ergonomically designed to fit the hand and easy to carry)
slip on shoe trackers (excellent over snow and ice)
my iPod

okay, Happy Monday,

Amanda

p.s. Happy Thanksgiving too!!! Travel safe.
p.p.s. One last thought. Help set all doodads and gadgetry before leaving! this includes anything with buttons smaller than a thimble.