That which doesn’t break you reinvents you. 

These words have played over and over in my head these last few days as I navigate the online learning system with three primary school-age children whilst also working from home and training for the Tokyo games next year. 

These indeed are challenging times for everyone on the planet. The simple things we took for granted before the rapid rise of COVID-19 like being able to pop to the shops or meet a friend for a coffee... and adjusting the way we live, work and play.

For people with a disability, this is no new phenomenon. People with physical and intellectual disabilities have long been forced to adapt the way they live, work and play within our communities.

Adaptation, resilience and innovation allow people with a disability to live a full life and this new situation that we are all living in is actually quite similar. We are now all forced to adapt to learning new skills, new routines, and new ways of living our lives. 

Many in our community are experiencing feelings of being overwhelmed and isolated by having to make these changes to stay healthy and keep those around them in good health. These emotions are often already lived by many people with a disability as they travel through life, and these feelings may be compounded during this crisis.

How can we navigate this as one community together?

Social distancing doesn’t need to be isolating – reach out to people digitally via FaceTime, Skype etc. Reach out to those who are vulnerable in our community and ask if they need assistance.

Don’t forget some disability services may have been cancelled and their day-to-day lives may be even more challenging during this time. So picking up a few groceries or taking out their bins could mean a lot.

This is an important time to look after each other regardless of ability. Stay safe.

About the Writer:

Eliza Ault-Connell AM, is a wife, mother of three, Para Athlete and lover of life. Born and raised in Sydney Australia, she is an advocate for Meningococcal Disease awareness, positive body image and diversity and inclusion. In her spare time, Eliza loves to be active, out on the water, up a mountain and taking in life. Currently, Eliza is working toward racing for Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.