Goal Setting Strategies for Differently-Abled Individuals.

 Julianna Farella – writer

October 15, 2006

Staten Island, New York:

The purpose of goal setting is so and individual can achieve purpose and strength while attempting to accomplish their dreams. A differently-abled individual can achieve their by completing the following steps.

1. Concentrate on what goals you would like to achieve:

By concentrating on your goals, you become motivated to accomplish tasks and gain the knowledge needed to become successful. A differently-abled individual may have the motivation to begin there own business. The first step to achieving this goal is to research business information to begin. This is how knowledge is gained. It is important to note that gaining knowledge is completed on a continuous basis and must be achieved on a personal and professional level.

Goals should be clear, concise and detailed so they are achieved to the best of their ability. As each goal is stated, they should be broken down into individualized steps so focus can be maintained.

2. There are several categories of goals that could be set:

1. Artistic Goals: Artistic goals are centered on individual’s creative abilities which could include fine and performing arts. For example, painting or playing a musical instrument.
2. Attitude Goals: Attitude goals help you gain a positive mind set so your goals can be achieved. It helps you develop the “can do” attitude.
3. Career Goals: Career goals specify what job an individual would like to achieve.
4. Education Goals: Education goals are very important to gain the knowledge needed to achieve goals that are set. Education options could include library or internet research and higher education options.
5. Family Goals: Family goals include what parenting skills you would like to use to be a good example for a child or several children.
6. Financial Goals: This specifies what monetary gains you would like to achieve.
7. Physical Goals: How much you would like to weigh and what physical fitness goals you would like to achieve. This goal is very important for a differently-abled individual so they can maintain their independence.
8. Pleasure goals: Pleasure goals focus on what you want to achieve for entertainments purposes. This may include hobbies and friendships.
9. Public Service Goals: How an individual would like to volunteer their time.

Once the goals in each category stated above are achieved, then they should be placed in order started with the most important so they are achieved. The goals stated should be what each individual wants to achieve not what other people want you to achieve. As a differently-abled person, your goals and dream should be unique like you. If the goals stated are based upon another person’s dream then motivation is lost and they will not be achieved.

3. A plan should be created:

The plan created can focus upon a set number of months or years depending on the goals. For example, a one month plan can be created or a five year plan depending on the circumstances. Career goals are usually longer expanding over years as compared to Public Service goals which can be achieved quicker.

4. Goals should be specified in the following manner:

1. Goals should be positive.
2. Goals should be clear and concise.
3. Goals should be written down and in priority order.
4. Known of lesser priority should be kept to a minimum.
5. Performance goals should be high priority.
6. Goals should be based upon reality.
7. High but reasonable expectations should be set.

If the above steps are taken your goals could be achieved regardless of what your disability is. If your goals are achieved, then you can enjoy success and feel a sense of accomplishment, not discouragement so your life becomes more meaningful. It more important to be successful than unsuccessful so self-confidence is boosted and life is being lived to the fullest. When goals are achieved, disabilities are overlooked and abilities become the main focal point for all differently-abled individuals.

Gaining Independence and Achieving Success as a Differently-Abled Individual. How and Individual with a Disability can be Able While Being Disabled.

  Julianna Farella – writer

 October 9, 2006

 Staten Island, New York:

 
 Every since I was a child, I was diagnosed as having a disability. While going through school as child I told by school personnel that they will never be able to make it and should never consider going on to higher education. I did not accept this criticism and decided to go and achieve my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Music in which I performed my own solo piano recital to graduate. This was the culmination of playing piano since I have been five years old. Now I am diverse in many keyboard instruments. I have held several employment opportunities since then including teaching music to 125 children. Some of whom were differently-abled.

Three years ago, September 11, 2003, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis that has left me in a wheelchair. This diagnoses devastating to me especially because I have finally achieved my goals and able to support myself financially. Currently, I am on Social Security Disability which makes it hard to live financially but I refuse to let this obstacle deter me. You see, I may have disabilities but I also have abilities. I now use my abilities to achieve new goals. There are many opportunities for individuals who are differently - abled as long as they are willing and want to be successful. Individuals with disabilities do not have to settle with feeling sorry for themselves or find means to support themselves financially that are no guarantees, all and individual who is differently-abled has to do is live their dreams. Since my diagnosis, I have graduated college with another Bachelor’s Degree, now in Business Management and currently achieving my Master’s Degree in Business Management with a concentration in Marketing. I am also proud to report I was told by the Dean at the University I attend that I will be obtaining my Doctorate in Non Profit Management. This goal is because I am currently experiencing a 4.0 Grade Point Average.

Currently, I am the President of my Own Non Profit Organization called Helping Hands Initiative Incorporated. Helping Hands Initiative Incorporated was formed based upon my own experiences of not being able to obtain the services needed to become as independent as possible in society this included outside individuals who would be willing to spend countless hours to be sure that I received the proper services to succeed in school, help with finding financial assistance so a child and/or returning adult student with a disability could achieve my higher education goals, making sure I  received the proper medical attention I deserved which includes health insurance and also preparing me for what I may face when entering a doctor’s office to prepare those hard to understand forms along with what I may face in the future. For any individual especially individuals who are differently-abled, these are important issues that need to be addressed. I may be disabled but I am also able to become successful as my story states. Disabled also means able and you or anyone who is disabled can also be able as well as successful. Nothing can stop you. Goals and Dreams are supposed to be achieved not deceived. Live your dream now.