Disability does not mean inability. ~ Anonymous
A focus on ability
Any person who has experienced a disabling injury, illness, or trauma (whether temporary or permanent) and is able to be actively involved in the coaching experience, can benefit from working with a coach.
Whether a disability is visible or invisible, a coach can be a valuable addition as an accountability partner assisting their client to face and move beyond specific life challenges and critical moments. A client can benefit from coaching as it assists in managing their re-invented self, while moving forward with their life.
There is also an added benefit to having a coach who has a disability, or that has recovered from one. They are able to fully understand and relate to the struggles, barriers, and the journey of recovery. They have not only survived their own personal trauma, but they are able to share how they have thrived in spite of their challenges. With that genuine experience, there is no doubt that your coach understands difficulty can relate to some of the hurdles and emotions of that experience, and knows what it takes to overcome complex obstacles. This can allow you to trust the process and get the most from the coaching experience.
How can a coaching session be designed to benefit someone with a disability?
- designed to help the client improve their own medical communication between themselves and medical professionals, promote empowerment and change the way we define wellness, sickness and healing. Coaching allows you to explore your ability to make clear, direct requests for support and accommodations
- designed to be a mental and emotional process of supporting a client to unlock their potential, maximize their performance and grow beyond the current circumstances of their condition
- designed around creating a structure for change, fulfillment, for the sake of enhancing well-being, and recognizing limitations
- designed to help the client gain greater clarity about if, when, and how to self-disclose about their disability to others
- designed to help identify and discover a client’s strengths, and confidently face difficult situations while expanding problem solving skills
- designed to help expand the client’s ability to make clear, direct requests for support and accommodations
- designed to explore time management skills with the Client
- designed to help a client to find their own answers and solutions, become more creative, resilient, and adaptive
- designed to offer space and attentiveness for the client to experience and see themselves authentically and develop their communication skills
Life Coach, Medical Advocacy Consultant, Professional Speaker 