To be honest, I don’t know. All I can say is that I live with a positive attitude.

The problem is, neither people with disabilities nor medical professionals fully understand what “acceptance of disability” truly means.

In fact, there’s even debate over whether “acceptance of disability” is necessary in the first place.

If someone asked me, I’d probably say that it’s not an absolute condition for living the rest of your life.

If I had to put it bluntly, I’d say, “It doesn’t matter. If you want to, go ahead.”

First, how are medical and welfare professionals taught about “acceptance of disability”?

I’ll explain from my experience as a graduate of a social welfare university. Incidentally, my wife is a nurse, and she learned exactly the same thing.

1. What is “Acceptance of Disability”?
It is defined as “facing the disability, confronting it, and accepting living with it as one of the ways of life.”

However, there are very few papers that precisely define it, and it’s often explained in an overly simplistic way, which can lead to misunderstandings.

2. The Five Stages of Acceptance of Disability
It is said that there are the following stages in the process of accepting disability:

Shock stage: A state where the person cannot understand what has happened to them.

→ However, this stage doesn’t last long, and the person gradually begins to recognize reality.

Denial stage: A period where the person turns away from their disability and refuses to accept it.

→ This is an important stage as it helps ease the emotional shock. However, people tend to be less active in rehabilitation during this period, and if it lasts too long, it can lead to refusal of rehabilitation.

Confusion stage: A period when emotions like anger, sadness, and depression appear.

→ This is a time when conflicts with caregivers (family, hospital staff) are likely to occur. However, it is important to understand that this “anger” is not directed at any specific person but is an expression of frustration with no clear target. It’s important to accept this and provide support.

Effort to resolve stage: A period where the person makes an effort to live despite the illness or disability.

Acceptance stage: A period where the person can view their disability positively and move forward.

→ Rather than seeing it as negative, they may think, “I can still do many things despite my disability,” “Thanks to the disability, I can experience a different way of life,” or “I’ve found a new role or job in society (or family) and started living with a sense of purpose.”

Of course, not everyone goes through the same psychological changes. However, many people are believed to experience such shifts in mindset.

3. Summary
Why is “acceptance of disability” necessary? The answer is that by accepting their current situation, people can find a way to coexist with their disability, which in turn brings energy and vitality to their life. In this sense, I believe our role as professionals is to help people find ways to “live well with their disability.” Furthermore, having someone (family or friends) to support them is essential in this process.

That’s the general explanation, but do you really think this is true?

Imagine yourself becoming disabled.

Does the fifth stage, the “acceptance stage,” really seem possible?

Maybe it’s understandable for someone like me—my left leg is impaired, but I can still walk, and my left arm doesn’t move, but I’m right-handed, so I can manage. But what if you were completely blind and couldn’t see at all? What if you lost your voice?

What if you were paralyzed from the waist down and had to live in a wheelchair? What if you had a spinal cord injury and were bedridden?

Everyone experiences their disabilities differently, so I won’t compare which one is harder. But I want medical and welfare professionals, as well as family and friends, to stop believing in the illusion that “acceptance of disability” is something anyone can achieve if they try hard enough.

Life isn’t always that easy.

As someone living with a severe disability and as someone who has made it their mission as a counselor to help others with “acceptance of disability,” this is what I wanted to share.

Thank you for reading this long message to the end.

Let me know if you’d like any further adjustments.