Physical disability
Either the helper or the client or both may be physically disabled in some way. Many people suffer from mobility, hearing, sight and other impairments. Sometimes these impairments are genetic and on other occasions are the result of life events, such as industrial or car accidents or military service. Helpers and clients will also have thoughts and feelings about their own and one another's disabilities. Some helpers may rightly feel inadequately skilled to work with certain physically disabled clients.
Being a physically disabled helper raises many issues. All physi cally disabled people have to come to terms with their physical restrictions. Many physically disabled helpers have become calmer and stronger people if they have successfully navigated the emotional ramifications of their disabilities. Charles Moreland, at the time of writing the Chairman of the Leonard Cheshire Foundation, is an inspiring example of someone who has grown through suffering. For the past 20 years he has had multiple sclerosis, which is a chronic and, in his case, progressive disease of the central nervous system which has left him unable to walk. Eleven years ago he retired from his career as a banker and became a volunteer with the foundation. Moreland now uses basic counselling skills as part of his high-profile primary role.
Sometimes helpers may be under pressure to change the nature of the helping relationship because of other agendas connected with dis abled clients: for example, pressure from insurers or workers' compensation boards for brief helping or to write reports about clients. Though very much a minority, some disabled clients may allow financial claim considerations to sabotage the integrity of their helping relationships.
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