Surviving and Prepping with Disabilities

If you or someone close to you is disabled in any way (physically, mentally, etc.), many things may seem impossible. But one thing we refuse to give in with and say is impossible is survival. We believe that everyone has their own types of disabilities, and it’s up to us to learn to overcome them, not blame them, especially in a survival situation.

“Survival of the fittest” doesn’t always mean the most physically able; it means being mentally fit and prepared for whatever could come your way.

Here are some things to remember when it comes to surviving and prepping with disabilities:

• Know your weaknesses. Like stated earlier, we all have some type of disability or some type of hurdle we must overcome (otherwise we’d all be superheroes, and that’s just not true). Know your limits, but also know your motivations and what or who can push you when the time comes. If you’re physically impaired, it may be tough for you to run or walk. If you’re hearing impaired, your biggest weakness is communication. These things aren’t excuses to give up if an emergency should arise; they’re things you need to be prepared for. Have a survival plan full of alternatives that are geared toward your own physical situation.

• Know your strengths. Don’t just focus on what you can’t do; focus on what you can do. You may have vision problems, but you know you can run. You may be in a wheelchair, but you’re well-learned in building fires and shelters. Hone in on these skills and make them the best they can be in order to make up for your weaknesses.

• Research and practice. Be open to change and technological advancements. Technology may seem crazy sometimes, but if it has the potential to help you survive, use it! Just make sure you’re practicing with new devices or technologies so there are no surprises in the event of an emergency.

• Stock up. This may sound like a given for you preppers, but are you stocking up on medical supplies as well as the basic necessities? If you require medication regularly, get a doctor’s note to stock up on extra (as long as it’s legal, of course). If it’s a medication you can’t obtain a lot of at one time, then research different alternatives or natural remedies. If your disability requires some sort of medical supplies such as a wheelchair, crutches, a cane, glasses, a hearing aid, or anything else of the sort, stock up now! This is especially important if you really rely on these things to get you through a regular day. If something happened to your wheelchair, could you survive without it?

• Make others aware. If you have a group of survivalists that you know you’d bug out (or in) in the event of an emergency, make sure they know everything about your condition. Don’t be afraid to let them in on the things that scare you about a survival situation. They need to know these things in order to be fully prepared themselves and in order to help you survive. It’s also always a good idea to keep a medical binder in your bug out bag should anyone else find you in a serious condition. Aside from the basics like a passport and ID, keep your medical history and any vital information in here as well.

No matter what disability you may have, we believe you can still survive and thrive in any situation -- it just may take a little extra prep now. If you have any questions or have some knowledge or tips that may help others in a similar situation, head to our Facebook page and join the conversation.