Persons with Special Needs, once referred to as "Disabled" are unique in that they face several challenges and hardships in their daily life. A person confined to a wheelchair may seem like an easy prey to criminals and robbers. A disability can denote a physical limitation of any kind. One may be deaf, blind, mute or confined to a wheelchair due to mobility issues. Having limitations should never make one vulnerable or insecure. Physical capacity may have limitations, but that in no way means a person in this situation is defenseless.
Let’s have a look at some of the basic safety tricks to have up your sleeve to give a nasty surprise to those who might attack you and to keep yourself safe in general.
Learn Martial Arts
These may seem like an impossible suggestion, but most of the martial art forms can be mastered by disabled people. A martial art involves the study of the mind, body and spirit in equal parts to form a powerful whole. What the body can’t do the spirit makes up for.
The techniques and tactics involved in martial arts do not place undue stress on your physical ability. You can use the force and power of your attacker to your own benefit. Also you get to know of the pressure points on the body which can instantly weaken a person, if hit there. So try to enroll yourself for a class with a trained and willing teacher, and get transformed into a karate Black Belt.
Use Personal Alarms
These are very helpful to have if you are venturing out late in the night or stepping out on your own. The alarm used by joggers or the common audio alarm works fine. A flashlight can also help you raise an alarm in case of any untoward incident. You need to be extra careful while leaving a mall and entering its huge parking lot. These are deserted places and you may be isolated and alone. Don’t hesitate to ask an attender for help. Always keep in mind to inform your spouse or friend of your whereabouts.
Carry a Pepper Spray
The pepper spray is quite a useful and handy weapon when it comes to personal safety. The hot contents can cause intense burning and pain in the eyes, difficulty in breathing and disorientation. You spray it right into your attacker’s face and he will be out of action for a while.
The effect causes a temporary loss of vision and the feeling of being sprayed upon is pretty much like being ‘set alight’. Once the job is done make sure you get away from the place as soon as possible. Pepper sprays come in compact sizes and can easily fit in your pocket or hand bag. This is an effective weapon in warding off assailants and thugs, but do check if carrying a pepper spray on you is legal in your part of the country.
Stun guns are widely used self-defense weapons. They deliver high volts of electricity that can cause excruciating pain, temporary immobility, and disorientation. The use of a stun gun gives you enough time to raise an alarm or get away.
A Taser is more sophisticated than a stun gun. It can temporarily immobilize the attacker and put him out of action. The Taser is an electroshock weapon and can disrupt the voluntary control a person has over his muscular movements. The weapon releases two dart-like electrodes or probes that can travel up to 15 feet. They can pierce through thick clothing and get lodged underneath the skin, and the barbed shape makes them difficult to remove.
Safety and security should be accounted for at all times. There are innumerable minor threats and dangers hidden in the comforts of your homes as well. Here are A few tips you can follow to keep yourself safe at home.
1) Remove All-Scatter Rugs - They pose a constant danger of slipping and tripping. If you use a wheelchair they may get entangled in the wheels or they may slip while an elderly person walks on them, leading to a fall. Loop pile carpeting is suitable for wheelchair use.
2) Do Away with Skidding Wax and Floor Cleaners – The use of wax on floors increases the chances of a fall. Slippery floor cleaners should also be avoided.
3) Optimum Lighting - Always use bright lights and lamps that make it easy to see obstacles or objects in the way. This makes it convenient for you to see your way around the house. Properly-lit kitchens reduce the possibility of burns and cuts. Bathrooms should also be well lit. The stairways and ramps should have bright lighting to reduce the possibility of a fall.
4) Safe Bathrooms - Bathrooms are always wet and moist. Slippery floors, shower cubicles and bath tubs increase the danger of slips and falls. Textured bathmats help reduce the danger of slipping to a great extent. Toilet seats should be adjusted to your convenience and ease of use. Inside-tub seating arrangements and hand showers make it convenient for wheelchair users. Grab bars and guard rails should be placed next to the pot, the bath tub, and wherever necessary to ensure safety.
5) Ramps Ensure Accessibility - Ramps or gradual slopes are essential for wheelchair users to gain accessibility. They can replace stairs and steps, or be a part of an accessible route in your building or home. Handrails should be fitted for ease of use and safety.
Conclusion
Safety and security should always be of primary concern to the disabled and physically challenged. With proper precautions and good planning most of the dangers and threats can be strongly dealt with.