The power of friendship: Supporting Friends with Disabilities

Hello, Jhana’s supporters! It’s your disability advocate and writer, Jhana. I have some exciting news: I’ve decided to add poetry to “Jhana’s Writing Journey.” After a few years, I’m thrilled to return to this form of expression. You can read some of my previous work in this genre on my website. I haven’t decided how often I will write and post poetry, but I hope to do so regularly.

Another thing I wanted to talk about before I get into today’s blog is that I failed one of my classes. So, I will have to retake the class and might not graduate until May. I think it’s because I cut it close to the holidays, and that’s a problem since I get seasonal depression. But it’s okay. I’ll still graduate this year — just a month later. I plan to talk to an advisor about retaking the class, so I hope to pass the second time. I did not really care about the assignments when taking the class the first time, so I plan to be more focused and determined.

My rant is over. Now, let's get into today’s blog. 

Today, I want to discuss having a supportive friendship while having a disability. 

Understanding Disabilities: Breaking Down Misconceptions

Understanding that people have a disability is not just important, it’s crucial. It’s the key to breaking down misconceptions and fostering a more inclusive society. Having friends with disabilities can be challenging if you don’t know anything about their condition or how to react to their problems. That’s why it’s so important to educate and advocate for people with disabilities, whether physical or mental. And that’s particularly the case if you’re friends with someone with a disability.

Educating people about your disability can make them understand it better. There are different types of disabilities, and all of them come with misconceptions. People also pick and choose what is classified as a disability. Disability types can vary and may include physical, mental, sensory, intellectual, and mental health.

We can foster a more inclusive environment for our friends by gaining a deeper understanding of disabilities. It’s vital to understand that each individual has different disabilities. Another thing many people tend to forget is that having disabilities can make finding friends difficult because not everybody likes others with disabilities. 

The Role of Empathy in Supportive Friendships

Empathy is not just a nice-to-have in friendships, it's a must. It plays a significant role in creating a more supportive friendship. Friends with disabilities can teach you that you can be friends with different types of people because we all deserve to be loved and accepted for who we are. Empathy also allows us to see the world from their point of view, teaching us what they constantly go through. This type of understanding can create more meaningful interactions and support.

Additionally, empathy helps reduce feelings of isolation that individuals with disabilities may experience and creates a safe support system for them.

Communicating Effectively: Listening and Learning

Discussing disabilities is a healthy way to create friendships. Educating those close to you is essential because not everyone understands disabilities and the struggles of those with them. To do this, you have to be open and confident about your own disability.

Communication is not just key to better relationships, it’s the foundation. Whether romantic or platonic, communicating better can help you feel confident in yourself and appreciate others more. When you learn to communicate correctly, you truly listen to one another. This starts with active listening.

It’s hard to be friends with people who aren’t open-minded. Open-mindedness allows others to listen to what you have to say and makes you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. You can start by asking open-ended questions, encouraging deeper conversations and showing we genuinely care. 

It is vital to be open to learning about our friends’ needs and preferences. Each person’s experience with disabilities differs from the next person, and understanding this will strengthen your friendships.

Inclusive Activities: Creating Shared Experiences

Inclusivity for people with disabilities means being included in every aspect of life that those without disabilities have. Everyone with a disability should be included in what others are included in. Even though people may have a hard time, it’s not bad if they can try. 

Examples include adaptive sports, art classes, or community events that celebrate diversity. Inclusive friendships that celebrate diversity can also foster a sense of belonging. These friendships show that everyone is equally valuable and wanted. Plus, helping those with disabilities build their confidence allows them to enjoy themselves better. 

Advocacy and Awareness: Being a Voice for Your Friends

If a person with a disability is having trouble advocating for themselves, having good friends to advocate for them is crucial. This also involves standing up against discrimination, challenging misconceptions, and educating others about the importance of inclusivity. Speaking out can create a better, more supportive environment for everyone.

Advocacy extends beyond the immediate circle. Volunteering with organizations that support disability rights can help raise our friends’ voices and contribute to significant societal changes. In doing so, we not only support our friends but also help foster awareness. 

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How Depression Affects Learning: Strategies for Students The Connection Between

Hello, Jhana’s supporters! It’s your disability advocate and writer, Jhana. I hope everyone had a safe Christmas and a happy New Year. Today, I want to discuss how depression can affect learning while one is pursuing an education. 

Depression and Cognitive Function

Depression can negatively impact our memory and cognitive functions, including attention and decision-making skills. Students may find it challenging to concentrate on their studies or remember information, which can affect their academic performance. 

Depression also leads to stress and anxiety, further exacerbating cognitive difficulties. Understanding the signs of depression is very important for students, educators, and caregivers to provide appropriate support. 

Empowering Students: Recognizing Signs of Depression

Recognizing the signs of depression in students is the first step to getting better. Learning new ways to cope with your depression should be your priority. It’s very common for individuals to experience sadness, withdrawal from social activities, and changes in academic performance. These issues can also affect your eating and sleeping patterns. 

Teachers and peers can help identify these signs. Finding someone you can trust to help you through whatever you are going through is essential. After all, having a positive support system is key to dealing with depression.

Creating a Supportive Learning Environment

Having a support system can make the environment safe for students. It can also make a huge difference for those struggling with depression since they will have a safe person to talk to about their struggles. 

Attending support groups with people who understand what you are going through is also important. These groups can help you grow and provide an atmosphere conducive to learning and growth. 

Overcoming Challenges: Effective Study Techniques for Students with Depression

Students who are dealing with depression may benefit from using study techniques tailored to their needs. For example, you might want to learn in smaller groups instead of studying in a big group. This could give you peace of mind and a better chance to focus without overwhelming you. 

Additionally, putting tasks on a calendar might help you stay on track and motivate yourself. It can also make it easier to achieve your goals for the day or week. 

Seeking Help: Resources and Strategies for Students

Some think seeking help is a sign of weakness, but it’s not; it’s a sign of strength and maturity. Seeking help when needed is very important if you want to get better. You could reach out to school counselors, teachers, mental health professionals, or support groups specializing in mental health.

You can also search for online resources and hotlines providing immediate assistance and guidance. Utilizing these resources as students can help you take control of your mental health and academic success. 

Depression is a serious condition, especially if left unaddressed. I got help, and I am still getting help. I used to let depression affect the way I learned, and I was not ready to get help. But ever since my uncle passed away in 2022, I learned how to deal with it. Now, I am doing what I love to do for me, not for anyone else. 

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New Beginnings: A Guide to Celebrating New Year’s Day

Hey, Jhana’s Supporters! It’s your disability advocate and writer, Jhana. I hope you’re all doing well. I honestly can’t believe 2024 is finally over. This year went by really fast. I’m in my last year at Full Sail University. If I pass my current class, I will have three months to graduate with a BFA in Creative Writing. My goals for this year are to become a better writer, start my freelance writing career, and begin writing as a columnist. I’m also working on my book “Cursed Hearts.” I hope to finish editing it soon so I can publish it by the end of next year or the beginning of 2026. Now, let's get into today’s blog. 

Today, I want to talk about new beginnings and how you can celebrate the New Year. I never liked or understood the new year growing up. But everything changed in 2018 when my fiance came to Hawaii from Massachusetts.

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but we met on Facebook in 2017. When he came over to visit me, we made our relationship official. Our anniversary is when he came on January 9th. It's been 7 years since he moved to Hawaii. In today’s blog, I won’t really focus on my love life, but I want to acknowledge how challenging the start of a new year can be. That’s why you should make it a habit to create New Year’s Resolutions. 

Embracing New Beginnings: The Significance of New Year’s Day

New Year's Day symbolizes new beginnings. It’s a chance to reflect on positivity and change. It represents hope, renewal, and the opportunity to make positive life changes. 

What exactly do new beginnings mean? New beginnings could mean new changes or something completely different and unique to you. You can let go of past disappointments and embrace the possibilities that lie before you. Celebrating them can help set a more positive tone for the rest of the year.

Mindful Resolution: Setting Intentions from the Year Ahead

Setting New Year’s resolutions is a tradition for many people. It’s a wonderful time to set goals for a better life and a brighter future. Setting goals and ambitions can encourage you to think deeply about what you want to achieve and how you want to feel throughout the year. 

We can create a more meaningful and fulfilling journey by aligning our resolutions with our core values and aspirations. You need to make sure your intentions in the new year are positive. 

Celebration Ideas: Unique Ways to Ring in the New Year

Until my early 20s, I thought celebrating the new year meant throwing a party and playing with fireworks. But everything changed as I got older, more specifically after meeting Rob and creating a home with him in Hawaii. I found that the beginning of the year is more meaningful than I used to think.

Consider unique ways to celebrate New Year’s Day that bring you joy and new connections. I never thought of January as a new beginning. As I mentioned at the beginning of this blog, Rob came to Hawaii seven years ago, and New Beginnings is our theme. So we celebrate the whole month of January, especially the day he arrived: January 9th, around 8 p.m. 

The second way to celebrate is to make changes and stick to them. Since around Christmas, I started walking again and plan to keep that momentum. I also found out that no one cares or looks at me funny when I use my walker.

Creating Meaningful Traditions: Building Joyful Memories

Traditions can be crucial in how we experience New Year’s Day, as they help us create lasting memories. After I quit drinking and smoking cigarettes and marijuana, I no longer did anything special for New Year’s. Everything also stopped when my grandma and uncle passed away. 

That’s when traditions can come in. By intentionally creating and participating in traditions that resonate with us, we not only celebrate the new year but also strengthen our relationships and create joy-filled moments that we can cherish for years to come.

Reflecting on the Past: Gratitude Practices for a Fresh Start

Reflecting on the past year is very important for personal growth and renewal. Showing gratitude allows us to acknowledge what we learned and how we grew, as well as appreciate those who supported us along the way. 

Setting aside time for gratitude practices, such as journaling or sharing with loved ones, can help us enter the new year with a heart full of appreciation. It also clears the path for new opportunities and positive experiences. So, here’s a happy and positive 2025!

Navigating Self-Comparison: Insights for People with Disabilities

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Hello, Jhana’s supporters! It’s your disability advocate and writer, Jhana. I hope you’re well. I also hope you had a good and safe Thanksgiving.

Despite assuming we wouldn’t have much of a Thanksgiving this year, we were pleasantly surprised by the outcome. Our housing provided us with some Thanksgiving dinner, complete with my all-time favorite pumpkin pie. They even gave us a turkey, so we ended up having two! We ate one on Thanksgiving and look forward to enjoying the other on Christmas.

I am still trying to publish my blogs every Thursday. So far, it has been working out. If I don’t finish writing blogs on Saturdays, I finish them on Sundays. Then, my editor has Monday to Wednesday to edit my blogs. They sometimes get edited on Thursday morning. I am getting to the point where publishing my blogs regularly is easier if nothing else comes up. What is hard is knowing what nights the kids around our apartment will be quiet so I can make YouTube videos. Anyway, let’s get into today’s blog.

Understanding the Impact of Self-Comparison on Mental Health

I’ve noticed that people with disabilities are more likely to compare themselves to others. Self-comparison can be detrimental to mental health, especially for those with disabilities. Comparing yourself to others means overlooking your own accomplishments and strengths, leading to low self-esteem and depression. People with disabilities tend to feel like they need to compare themselves to nondisabled people because they think that nondisabled people have more to offer. But it is not true. 

Awareness that all people, including nondisabled people, have flaws is the first step to self-acceptance and personal growth. 

The Role of Social Media in Shaping Perceptions of Disability

Social media loves to create its own definition of disability. For example, if you have a physical disability and difficulty walking long distances, society calls that a disability. But if you have a mental disability or invisible disability, society won’t call that a disability because you are “able-bodied.” 

Cultivating Self-Compassion: Tools for Positive Self-Reflection

Cultivating self-compassion involves self-reflection. Developing a healthy mindset can include journaling and being positive. It can encourage you to have self-acceptance.

You can learn how to treat yourself with the kindness you deserve by practicing self-compassion; this is especially important for those with disabilities. It’s not just a practice, but a powerful tool for building a more supportive and positive mindset. It’s about empowering yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend and, in doing so, recognizing your own worth.

Finding Community and Support: Connecting with others

Finding a support system is vital for those navigating the challenge of self-comparison. Connecting to those with similar experiences can provide validation and encouragement.

Finding where you belong can help you combat isolation and comparison, whether through online forums, local support groups, or social media communities. It is very important to remember that everyone has their own journey, and every journey is unique. 

Embracing Individuality: Celebrating Your Unique Strengths

Embracing individuality is a powerful antidote to self-comparison. Each and every person has their own strengths and experiences that shape their identity.

Focusing on personal achievements and celebrating what makes you unique, such as your talents, skills, or personal qualities, gives you a sense of pride and confidence that diminishes the urge to compare yourself to others. 

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Navigating Grief During the Holidays: Coping Strategies for Thanksgiving and Christmas

Hello, Jhana’s supporters! It’s your disability advocate and writer, Jhana. I hope you’re all doing well. I am back with another blog. I’m almost getting the hang of writing them and posting them regularly, but it is still challenging to manage my time because procrastination is kicking my butt, to be honest. Thank you again for all of your patience!  

It’s that time of year again  — Thanksgiving and Christmas are around the corner. Today is Thanksgiving, and Christmas is 3 ½ weeks away. So, I want to talk about grieving during the holidays in today’s blog.

Understanding the Impact of Grief During the Holidays

The holiday season can be particularly challenging for those experiencing grief. The absence of loved ones during the holidays can cause immense sadness every year when holidays roll around. That’s why I want everyone to know that grieving during the holiday season is not only perfectly normal but also a shared experience that many of us go through.

Many people feel pressure to continue experiencing joy and happiness despite the holiday season. Those pressures can lead to isolation. It’s essential not to ignore your feelings while allowing yourself to grieve. You need to understand that you are not alone.

Creating New Traditions to Honor Loved Ones

I remember going to my Uncle R.J.’s house every Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. We would spend the holidays with our family and their friends. My cousin was born on Christmas Eve, so we spent the holidays with them every year. After that, we would drive down south to Ka’u and spend Christmas and New Years with my Aunty Colleen and Uncle Randy.

But when I left my grandma Nan’s house after graduating high school, the family traditions with me stopped. Then, when the family’s anchor, Nan, passed away, the family traditions stopped completely.

But you have to remember that you can start new traditions in memory of a loved one who passed. This can include lighting a candle in their memory, sharing stories of them with friends or other loved ones, or even preparing their favorite dish. All these rituals can help keep their memory alive so you can remember their impact on your life. 

Practical Coping Strategies for Holiday Gatherings

When attending gatherings during the holidays, having a plan for managing your emotions can be helpful. Consider setting boundaries, such as taking breaks when things get overwhelming. It is essential to communicate with family so they know how to help you with the grieving process. You also have to consider your feelings and give yourself time to process them. Taking deep breaths can help you cope, and stepping outside for fresh air can do wonders during those moments that feel unmanageable. 

Finding Support: Connecting with Others Who Understand

Getting support from other grieving individuals can be beneficial. You should also consider talking to your friend, a loved one, or even a counselor so they can help you deal with your feelings. You can even attend support groups that help you grieve.

Sharing your feelings with those who truly understand can give you comfort. These connections can help reduce feelings of isolation and remind you that it’s okay to grieve and seek help during tough times.

Embracing Self-Care During the Festive Season

Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity, especially when dealing with grief. If these emotions arise, you should do something helpful to ease the sadness. For example, you can try prioritizing activities you enjoy or doing something relaxing, from reading and walking to practicing mindfulness and meditation. Giving yourself time to recharge can be beneficial since it helps you cope with your emotions.

It’s okay to say no to events that may feel overwhelming. Taking care of your mental health and well-being should be your top priority before everything else.

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What does Premature Mean? Advocating for Change to Maternal and Infant Health

Hello, Jhana’s Supporters! It’s your disability advocate and writer, Jhana. I hope you’re all doing well. I am back with another blog article, hoping to publish more regularly. I haven’t decided how often I will do my YouTube videos for Jhana’s Writing Journey, so I will post them randomly for now. Please stay tuned for updates! Now, let's get into today’s blog.

I want to talk about being premature, what it means, and how it affects me. 

Understanding Premature Birth: Advocating for Change in Maternal and Infant Health

A full-term pregnancy typically lasts about 40 weeks. Being born premature means you are born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Premature birth is categorized into three groups:

• Extreme preterm (less than 28 weeks)

• Very preterm (28 to 32 weeks)

• Moderate to late preterm (32 to 37 weeks)

According to the CDC, about 1 in 10 infants in the United States is born prematurely, with 380,000 premature births annually. These babies often spent quite some time in the NICU.

Understanding the effects of prematurity on the individual is crucial for raising awareness. It’s part of advocating for people who are born premature. Those born prematurely will experience complications, including respiratory issues, developmental delays, and long-term disabilities.

The Impact of Premature Birth on Infant Health and Development

The impact of premature birth on an infant’s health can be long-lasting. Premature infants often face challenges such as undeveloped organs, difficulties in feeding, and increased susceptibility to infections. This can lead to more hospital stays and medical problems.

The consequences of premature birth can be limited to childhood but also carry through to adulthood. Studies show that preterm children may experience cognitive and behavioral issues, affecting their educational achievements and social interactions. Understanding this allows people to highlight the urgent need for prevention and support strategies.

Maternal Factors Contributing to Premature Birth: A Call for Awareness

Many factors can contribute to the risk of premature birth, including the mother’s age, health conditions, and lifestyle choices. Women younger than 17 or older than 35, as well as those with chronic health issues, such as diabetes or hypertension, are at a higher risk. Additionally, mothers struggling with substance abuse issues or those without enough prenatal care are also more likely to give birth prematurely. 

Raising awareness is crucial because these are serious problems, and spreading awareness will help people understand what families with premature children go through. Moreover, educating other women about the importance of prenatal care and healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of prematurity and promote healthy pregnancies, improving newborn outcomes. 

Advocacy and Policy Changes Needed for Maternal and Infant Health

To address the issue of premature birth, it’s crucial to advocate for those who were born prematurely. We need policies that address social determinants of health, such as economic stability, education, and access to proper healthcare. By advocating for these changes, we can create a more supportive environment for mothers and infants and ultimately reduce the rates of premature birth.

Resources and Support for Families Facing Premature Birth

Families facing premature birth require additional support to navigate the upcoming challenges. Resources such as support groups, educational materials, and access to healthcare professionals specializing in neonatal care can be invaluable in these situations. 

Hospitals and healthcare providers can play a crucial role by offering families comprehensive care plans and emotional support during this stressful time. Such resources can help affected families cope and thrive in the face of premature birth.

The significance of Premature Awareness Month

November is Premature Awareness Month, and November 17th is World Prematurity Day. It’s a perfect time to highlight the challenges faced by families affected by preterm birth. 

Personal Stories: The Impact of Premature Birth

The best way to truly understand premature birth is to hear personal experiences from families that dealt with it. While these stories can be heart-wrenching, they’re also incredibly inspiring.

So, now I want to share my story with you.

My Story

I was born at 35 weeks gestation; this means I was born two months too early. I weighed just 2 pounds and 3 ounces. As a result of my premature birth, I was born with Spina Bifida, Encephalocele, and Hydrocephalus. 

After birth, I was put in the NICU for months. Since I was premature and with disabilities, I had problems growing up. These included difficulty with walking and learning. I also couldn’t attend PE classes. 

Despite the challenges I faced due to my premature birth, I am now 33 years old and thriving. My journey taught me the importance of advocacy, and I couldn’t be happier to be alive. Even though I was born a preemie, I will continue to push through all obstacles. I encourage you to do the same. Together, we can make a difference.

 

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Real-Life Examples of Disability Discrimination

Hello, Jhana’s Supporters! It’s your disability advocate, Jhana. I hope you’re all doing well. I’m sorry for the lack of a blog article last week. I promise I will still try to publish regularly. I’m also trying to manage my time better, which is challenging with school and procrastination. Procrastination is actually the reason why I sometimes don’t publish on time. 

That said, I am still involved with my brand. I’ve redesigned my website and put up a new short story called “The Assault of Jamie Dawson.” You can read it on my website.

Today, I want to discuss disability discrimination, define it, and explain its legal framework. So, let's dive into today’s blog article.

Understanding Disability Discrimination: Definitions and Legal Framework

While all discrimination is an issue, those with disabilities experience it more frequently. It’s sad but true. Disability discrimination happens when people with disabilities are treated less than others because of their disability.

On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law. That document prohibits discrimination in employment, public service, public accommodations, and telecommunications. Even though this law is in place to protect people with disabilities, discrimination still happens. Sure, these protections are there. However, there are many real-life instances exposing systemic biases and failures to accommodate individuals with disabilities. That’s why it’s vital to understand disability discrimination, recognize when it happens, and address these injustices.

Discrimination can be direct or indirect. Direct discrimination means treating people with disabilities unfairly and differently than “normal” people. It can go as far as refusing employment based on disability. Indirect discrimination means making the workplace inaccessible for people with disability. It affects not only the workplace but also things like handicapped parking places. Even though the discrimination law is in place, discrimination is still everywhere. So, we have to fight to change it.

Workplace Challenges: Discrimination in Hiring and Employment Practices

Although this has never happened to me, discrimination in the workplace is prevalent for people with disabilities. Some examples of disability discrimination in the workplace include failure to provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, inaccessible work environments, or discriminatory hiring practices where qualified candidates with disabilities are overlooked. If you’re visually impaired, you might be denied a job simply because the hiring staff thinks you can’t use a computer without needing assistance.

Other challenges in the workplace include a lack of promotion opportunities and unequal pay for employees with disabilities. It’s also been reported that employees have faced harassment or retaliation after requesting necessary accommodations. 

Educational Barriers: Accessibility Issues in Schools and Universities

Sadly, students with disabilities also face barriers. These range from inaccessibility to insufficient support services, among others. Students using wheelchairs might study in inaccessible buildings or lack the necessary equipment.

People with learning disabilities might not receive appropriate accommodations as well. This has happened to me. I went to Ashford University (now called the University of Arizona Global Campus). They expected me to read the instructions and a ridiculous amount of material, which was a struggle for me. I have a learning disability, and the professors weren’t helping me. As a result, I was getting bad grades. Then, I dropped out after my uncle passed away. After a while, my new friend introduced me to Full Sail University. Now, I am in college to get my BFA in Creative Writing. It’s going great; I only had one instructor who used my disability against me. I also felt like I did not learn in that class, so I’m glad that one is over. 

It’s also worth noting that some educators and administrators don’t have the proper training to help people with learning disabilities. They don’t know how to help or address their concerns, which could lead to discrimination. For example, a professor might explain an assignment in a complicated way, causing some students to misunderstand what to do. In another example, the professor might refuse to provide lecture notes in advance. Instructors and teachers sometimes disregard the needs of other students, causing them to struggle. These educational barriers prevent them from achieving academic success and impact social inclusion and self-esteem. 

Public Accessibility and Social Exclusion: Navigating Daily

Disability discrimination exists in other areas of life, not just employment and education. There’s also inaccessible public transportation, buildings without ramps, and a lack of sign language interpreters. I even noticed that handicapped parking is not accessible for people with disabilities, which is insane (at least that’s how it is in Hawaii). These are examples that demonstrate how societal infrastructure often fails to cater to people with disabilities. 

Social exclusion also occurs in more subtle forms, such as the negative portrayal of individuals with disabilities in media or the lack of disability representation in political and leadership roles. 

Knowing how to take proper precautions to handle this issue is very important. These can include talking to the school, employers who will listen, and the governor of your area. It is also crucial to recognize the importance of inclusion and take proactive steps toward accommodating individuals with disabilities. It’s not just a legal imperative but a moral one. After all, no one’s disability should define them. 

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