New Year’s Resolutions for the Disabled

   Take stock of your health and make changes if necessary.

If you are a person with a disability, make sure you are following your medical provider’s treatment plan. This means keeping regular doctor appointments, either in-person or through telehealth, taking prescribed medications as directed, and following advice for diet, exercise and rest. Keep good records! Copies of medical receipts and your own notes are especially important if you are receiving disability benefits.

   Organize your financial life.

Review your income, assets and budget and make adjustments where needed. If you are still working and receiving disability income, make sure you are not earning over SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity). SGA in 2025 is $2,700 per month for a blind person and $1,620 for a non-blind person. Be sure to contact Social Security if your income changes; you do not want to risk losing your disability benefits.

   You should also review personal legal documents such as a will and powers of attorney for healthcare and financial matters.

If you don’t have these documents currently, examples can be found online, or contact an attorney or friend to help you. Taking charge of your finances provides security and prevents anxiety about the future. If you need help with budgeting or any part of managing your finances, consider consulting a financial advisor or an accountant.

If you have been denied disability don’t give up! Contact a Disability lawyer at 512-454-4000 for a free consultation and get the benefits you deserve.

   Upgrade your skills.

Taking a class, trying a new hobby and volunteering are not just enjoyable experiences; they can help a person develop new skills and lead to more fulling jobs and careers. If you want to return to the workforce, research jobs that interest you and find out what skills you need; then sign up for a class or volunteer at an organization where you can learn and practice.

   Learn how to maintain your mobility device.

If you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, it’s absolutely essential to ensure that it’s operating correctly at all time. A small problem can quickly turn into a much larger issue if you put off minor maintenance and may leave you stranded. Learn how to keep up with maintenance issues and check your device daily, weekly and monthly. Find a local wheelchair and scooter repair service and develop a good relationship.

   Try a new activity in an environment that is accessible to everyone.

Adaptive organizations specialize in providing opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sports, music, outdoor recreation, and other activities. Seek out an adaptive organization such as Outdoors for all Foundation where you can try biking, hiking, snowshoeing or yoga. (See https://outdoorsforall.org/about-us/who-we-are ) Remember not to compare yourself with someone else and their abilities – or disabilities. Go ahead and try a new sport, but remember you are a beginner and set goals you can achieve at your own pace.

   Become active in issues important to people with disabilities.

Reach out to organizations, writers and artists that advocate for people with disabilities and learn how you might contribute. Speak up about issues that concern you and others in the disability community like housing, employment, education, and accessibility, advocating for changes that benefit all people with disabilities.

   Take some time just for yourself each day.

The past two years have been filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Meditate, practice yoga, take a walk, or simply do something you enjoy such as listening to music or reading. Turn off the TV and avoid social media for a while. Stay positive and focus on what you can do.

  Finally, don’t overwhelm yourself with a long list of resolutions or goals to meet in the next year; instead, choose a few changes that you can incorporate into your life and by the end of 2025 you can look back on your accomplishments.Bemis, Roach and Reed is here to support you in your efforts and wishes you a happy, healthy 2025.