Having a Disability

If you are a teen with a disability, the mentoring situation can be different. Many teens with disabilities do not have successful adult role models with disabilities. Even though more and more famous people are identified as having a disability, we still need people in our own communities that can be there when we need them.

Sometimes (probably a lot of the time!) the focus in your life has been on your disability. Doctors, teachers, parents, and others may be so focused on keeping you safe and healthy that you may not have had many opportunities to think about what you want to do and how to support those goals.

There are many adults with disabilities who are living very productive lives and want to share the things that made it work for them and the things that were tough. If you have never met anyone with a disability or with the same disability that you have, then it might be a good idea to try and connect with someone. If you have questions about how the disability may affect you going to college, getting a job, getting married or having children, finding housing or getting connected with an adult doctor, it may be helpful to find a mentor with a disability.