#disability support

[ghost-kings-court-jester]

Disabled Tips – Bed Days

Disclaimer: I am not a nurse. I am a disabled person who has some kind of chronic undiagnosed condition where my leg sucks and I have POTS both these things make showering basically impossible for me. So I’m trying to give some hygiene/quality of life advice to my fellow chronic illness crew.

Good hygiene is basically somethings essential when sick, as it can ward off infections and help your immune system. Unfortunately, it is extremely tiring but super necessary to keep up.

There is no shame in that. Something that used to be easy for me (showering) now makes me pass out, run out of breath, and throw up. So, I have looked at alternative ways, as good hygiene can keep my really sick body from getting sicker. That's what this post and subsequent posts are made to do.

I have good arm and back mobility and can walk to the bathroom even on extremely bad days. If you have worse mobility, you might not be able to do some of these things, and that's okay. I just hope you can get some ease from at least something here, and I'm sorry if I am not the best source for you and your symptoms.

I just want to make it clear I will not tolerate any bullying or shaming under this post. You might be able to do all of these things as an able-bodied person, and that's cool, good for you. I can't. I am disabled. I can't maintain good hygiene in traditional ways, and I am making this post for people who also have that struggle.

So, saying all that, let's get into it.

The joys of all chronic conditions are that some days, you just straight up can not leave your bed. However, this doesn't have to just be information for the chronically ill, but anyone who is sick and trapped in bed, which sucks especially because you tend to become warm and sweaty and feel gross. So in this post, I will talk about making a bed kit to help keep yourself clean and healthy. I will follow this up with a second post later this week for ways to keep your bedroom fresh so you do not always sit in dirty bedding and stale, sick air. I will also discuss things like washing in depth and hair washing in another post, as those are the things you need more energy for than you would probably have when trapped in bed for days. This post is just for your hygiene and making a bed kit.

So, first, what is a Bed Kit?

Basically, it's a mix of toiletries and other things that are in easy reach for you to grab while you're trapped in bed. I'm going to list essential things first and explain why they are there, and then add items that will be a bit more expensive/require more effort if you feel up to them. The kit can be stored in anything from a plastic bag to a nice box; just be sure it's in reach for days you can't really move.

Essential Items:

Baby Wipes/face cloth and a small body wash: On bad days, I think often the worst thing, sensory-wise, is how damp and sweaty you can get, and cleaning that sweat is usually super crucial to both your physical health and your basic level of comfort. So get yourself a pack of really wet Baby Wipes. (I know these things are bad for the environment, so you can use a face cloth and water from the bottles instead. Just be sure to leave the wet face cloth out of your kit when you're finished to get it washed, and have a pack of 5 in your kit if you are bed-bound for another few days.) Once you have your wipe/cloth, you will do what I call the pits and bits wash. This is exactly what it sounds like, so add a tiny amount of body wash (not enough to be sudsy, but enough to fold your cloth in half and rub it to get a bit of foam). For the pits and bits wash you are going to go in for exactly whats in the title and lightly clean over those areas, being sure to also add in any area where you might have extra cresses (like under your boobs) to wipe away all that sweat. You should try to do this when you wake up and when you're going to sleep, but if you can only do it once a day, that's fine. Do not push past your limit.

Face Wipes/Cloths and face wash: Use these in the same way as above. You can also use a cloth here, but be sure to use a different one on your face to prevent bacteria from spreading. If you are feeling up to it, you might want to put on moisturiser as well.

Hand Sanitiser: This is useful to have at your side, especially if you have to use hazardous materials such as injections and needles. However, don't overuse it if you don't have to, as it can dry out your skin.

Hand Lotion and Lip Balm: Yeah, when you're sick, you probably won't be able to do a full-body moisturise, and that's fine, but from my own personal experience, my hands and lips can get pretty dry, and sometimes, if they're too dry, they crack and open cuts, so it's just nice to have these at times. If you are prone to dry skin, I suggest having a lotion for your elbows and knees, but nothing more strenuous than that.

Two Water bottles: This kit will require at least two sealed water bottles. One should be taken to drink throughout the day so you don't get dehydrated/take medication, and one should be poured on your clothes and toothbrush to use throughout the day. Do not put anything into this bottle, as you might also want to drink that later in the day, which I'd recommend, since once a bottle has been exposed to air, the water inside can go stale, so there is no point in putting it back to save for another sick day. On days you feel healthier, I'd recommend using reusable bottles (preferably metal) to reduce plastic degradation. Still, you should be fine using bottled water from packs if that's easier.

Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Mouth hygiene is pretty important and expensive to address, so I recommend not skipping brushing your teeth. However, that doesn't mean you have to stand in front of the sink for 2 minutes when you don't need to. Put your toothpaste on your brush, wet it with water by pouring it over your bowl/basin, and spit into it. Don't rush to clean this if you don't need to. Dried toothpaste foam isn't going to kill anyone.

A Plastic Bowl or Basin: As I said above, this is to spit your toothpaste into, but if you are prone to vomiting, I recommend using a basin as it has a bigger surface area.

Hair Brush and Hair Ties/Band: If you don't have long hair, you're probably not going to get that sweaty tangle at the back of your neck, but if you have longer hair, you definitely will just want it out of your way when you're sick. I'd recommend getting into the habit of braiding your hair before you go to sleep, as that is the easiest way to keep your hair off your face and not cause as much tension as a ponytail/bun would. If you forgot or don't know how to braid, keep this brush handy. Brush your hair a few times a day (I'd recommend getting a cushion brush as it feels the nicest if your head is tender.) Don't worry if your hair is gross or oily, just try to keep it out of your face so it's not annoying you by braiding or using a cloth hair band to push it all back. (I am sadly not the best person to go to if you have a natural curl to your hair, so if you are someone who does and has a way of helping, please reblog this with advice.)

Tissues: Phlegm, vomit, and snot are a problem, so it's nice to be prepared.

Small Bin Bag: It's always a good idea to get a little roll of very small bin bags you can keep in the kit until they run out. This is just to keep your bed clean, to throw in your tissues, wipes, and whatever else, so you're not sitting in clutter. I'd also recommend using a septate bag if you used face cloths instead of wipes, so you don't just have wet clothes sitting beside you until you can get them washed.

Change of underwear: Changing your underwear can be a bit of a hassle when you're sick, but I would keep on top of it as it prevents infections and rashes from developing. Ideally, the best way to keep this portion short is to bring a change of pants when you go to the bathroom in the morning and change there. My best advice for your comfort is to get a multi-pack of cloth underwear, as pretty much all plastic-based fabrics can lead to infections if worn daily or if you keep them on long enough. I recommend baggy cloth boxers because underwear elastic can cut into your hips and thighs after a while, especially if you're sleeping and pushing skin against it.

Additional items:

These items are basically just little bits and pieces that might also help, but they are definitely not necessary to maintain good hygiene.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a good lotion in some cases and has a pleasant smell. It can also be used for Oil Pulling, a practice you can Google that is good for your gums and makes your breath nice. (DO NOT DO THIS IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC OR NAUSEOUS)

Dental floss: This is an alternative to keeping your gums clean if Oil Pulling is not for you, but I would recommend one or the other, given how expensive dentistry has become.

Peppermint or Ginger Gum/Sweets: Both peppermint and ginger are great antiemetics and can leave your breath smelling a bit nicer.

Ginger Biscuits or Cereal Bars: It's important to have a snack that won't turn your stomach while you're bedbound.

A Small Pan and Brush: To sweep up crumbs in your bed so you can stay comfy.

A pillow spray: This will make your pillow smell nice and relaxing, even if you're in bed for a while.

White Tiger Balm and a Dressing Gown Belt/Scarf: Tiger Balm, specifically the white one, is arguably one of the best things I've ever used against tension headaches. It is especially great if rubbed into the temples, behind the ears, and the hinge of your jaw. Combining it with wrapping a piece of fabric around your head and tying it tightly can reduce head pressure and allow you to sleep.

Eye Masks: These are good for keeping out light if you really need to sleep, even during the day. They are especially recommended if you have light sensitivity.

Deep Heat/Deep Freeze: Great to have if you have a muscle or joint problem.

Udder Cream: This will sound pretty strange, but this stuff is magical as a joint pain aid, especially on the shoulders and back. I learned about it a while ago from some builders in the family, and it's definitely giving me some ease. However, be warned to use it sparsely and thoughtfully clean your hands after application so you don't touch your face, mouth, or any other orifice as it can burn them. It also smells like the strongest mint candy cane in the world but is good for easing muscles.

And with that, I'm done for now. I will be making little posts like this for the next few weeks and will set up a master post when I make the second one in the series. I hope this was helpful. If you can think of anything to add to these kits that is low-effort but good advice, I strongly recommend doing so. I hope you all have a nice day.

[virovac]

help before 9:10 PM Central time Help a nonbinary mexican keep healthcare see @Chingaderita

$0/$108 healthcare due about 9:00 pm Central Time ( to account for transport to bank)

Emergency healthcare payments

Paypal Kofi

The mold is coming back full force in the bathroom and a chunk of it cane off last weekend. the paint is peeling off in multiple rooms would be great to get vinegar we already used up a gallon cleaning in the last 5-7 days. I hate asking but at least please give us a reblog please

(their spouse has taken over blog while hospitalized, after weeks of failing to fundraise medication. ) Hope this helps

Kofi examples above but since hospitalization and spouse taking over blog probably cannot take many commissions right now

Family of 9, elderly and kids.diabetic and disabled p

vouched for by transgendz

@transgendz is vetted by scam-buster kyra 45 (screenshots below cut)

I can vouch for Calli @chingaderita! Ive known the family for several years now and they've consistently shown proof, was vetted by Kyra on my request when they first messaged, I'm quite sure, the search function on blogs is just awful and I'm having a hard time finding such an old post. But I talk to Calli often, we've had conversations in English and Spanish, and everything they say tracks with the proof provided. I just thought I'd say something bc I know you've been helping them too. Thank you for all you do.

Paypal Kofi

*They have been helping boost many campaigns, gaza and otherwise (and have asked me to boost these three while their internet is unreliable)

Here is a post summarizing the problems they face and some of past boosted campaigns, and vetting below

campaigns asked to shar

1) AHMED’S [campaign] IS VERY FORGOTTEN, PLEASE, KEEP SHARING!!! – @/chingaderita on Tumblr 

2) Abdallah Alanqar – @/chingaderita on Tumblr (latest post (18) Donate to Trapped Family in Gaza Appeals for Help to Survive, organized by Abdallah Alanqarr)

(3) €5,688/€25,000 – @/chingaderita on Tumblr

More documentation

Went back on my blog to find proof of the fire where my in-laws lost everything, this other one with pictures and proof that I've been sick and struggling to get my medication since August 2023. Just felt like having things organized and maybe make another blog to keep all proof I can save since we lost a lot of information and pictures/videos when we sold our phones and lost the computer. Not to mention my blog is way older but I have no idea how to enter my archive :3

They have been helping boost many other donation campaigns*,

Now its our turn to help them!

Pictures of mold damage and other problems from earlier post before lost phone in links

first link (link 29) OCTOBER 19TH –

second link OCTOBER 21ST

[virovac]

Please share/reblog, and maybe donate if you can. DM @/virovac if want to be removed   @uhhh-i-dont-know @charc-arts @hexblooddruid @strawbebbyboba @strawberridrops @rawdvd @rinthesecond @brookepagebe @kixflip @1p0lly1 @morihaus @rattlesnake-acrobatics @thatonebored-juniorcolleague @my-multi-fandom-blog @slyfire @constellationriver @moonfox-mumbles @mauvethecolor @inkslingerr @madspades @decadentmuffindreamscissors @taptrial2 @blue-jacket-blues @tacit-semantics @timeless-orchid @cinnarainbow @aziraphaleapologist @harley-angel @swapauanon @yakiattaki @piratefry @pegglefan69 @writing-is-a-martial-art @ohmerricat @mildmayfoxe @sunnyartistwriter @moonrisemoonchild @senlinstudies @birdmenmanga @rabbithaver @imlizy @lesbianfriendly @lesbianchemicalplant @xxx-sparkydemon-xxx @apas-95 @bebbls-craft-blog @the-acid-pear @moviequotes23 @momfriend2800 @luvmoonie

PLease help Ahmad and his family

Verification: #152 on butterfly project / shared by 90-ghost

accounts: @ahmad-ashi @ahmadblog1 @ahmadfamily @ahmadlashinew (last one actually older than the others))

He and his mother both face chronically illness and currently living in a group with six other people!

Their home was destroyed by bombing

. Our home was completely destroyed in the recent attacks, leaving us without shelter or safety.

And to make matters worse, his nephew was severely injured and is now in critical condition, fighting for his life."

Donate to his GOFUNDME(1 Dollar equals 10.96 SEK) and CHUFFED (Chuffed allows dollars)

Art and raffles

You @/transfemstalin has also offered (see tags) an art commission with proof of donation

Seaoreos offering free pride pins for proof of donations

Flowerpawarts offering commissions and has compiled a list ofmany other artists have donation commissions open or will give you stuff in exchange for donating!

dan and phil phriendship bracelets $5 not including shipping

varied friendship bracelets $5 for premade bracelets, $10 for custom

chibi donation commissions $5+

more fic commissions ~$10

cartoonist co-op artist database (offering MANY different things from stickers to zines! you can usually reach out to these artists individually)

even more here!

[chronicallymattie]

Dealing with my chronic illness has easily been the most difficult and almost completely isolating thing I’ve ever dealt with in my entire life.

That is to say: If you have someone struggling with an illness that may keep them at home all the time for their safety or in the hospital constantly for treatments, check on them please, send them a text, even if you don’t think it will do anything, i guarantee they will appreciate even the thought of you considering their existence.

because when you’re this sick you really do kinda disappear sometimes, and even as an extreme introvert myself, humans need each-other wether we like it or not.

[queercanelady]

BRITISH DISABLED LESBIAN IS TERRIFIED OF POTENTIAL DISABILITY CUTS

unusual serious post from us. our bad gang.

if you aren't aware, the british government is trying very hard - despite resistance from hundreds of members of parliament and thousands of citizens - to get a bill into law harshly cutting disability benefits. i am living off of these benefits and, despite recent concessions, do not trust the government to leave my payments untouched.

due to this, i have somewhat reluctantly opened a ko-fi account for people to donate to if they are able. you can donate as little as £1, i just hope for a slight bit of financial stability that i cannot trust my government to provide. if you choose to donate, i cannot thank you enough.

[luarien]

I'm trying to get my life together after three years couch surfing while my chronic pain and fatigue are getting worse. I've finally got a place to live but it involved moving from California to Pennsylvania with what I could fit in a duffle bag and a backpack. I need to get everything from towels and dishes to a new PC and a dresser.

Please spread this post and if you can help me get my life together.

PayPal

Venmo

CashApp

Amazon Wishlist

My Ko-Fi

[sleepnowmychild]

Reminder: disability support is for EVERYONE on this planet.

Anyone can become disabled at ANY time. Even if you have no family history of health issues, all it takes is one freak accident, one well intentioned misstep, one internal complication, one particularly nasty hit to the head, for you and those you love to become disabled.

Support isn’t just for those born with a disability, it’s for those who gained one later in life.

“Oh but it’ll never happen to me” it CAN. Doesn’t mean it will, but it CAN. It might not be you, maybe your best friend, your partner, your parents etc. expert athletes who take all safety precautions still end up with career ending injuries. People with no family history still have strokes. People who follow all the road rules still get into car crashes. ANYTHING can happen to ANYONE at ANY TIME. And if there’s no disability support, not only do people born disabled suffer, but those who become disabled later in life will too. You will too, if the unfortunate happens to you.

Everyone should be pro disability support, everyone should be against ableism, because one day it might be you who can’t work and needs money for treatment. You may not end up in a wheelchair or with a cane, maybe it’ll be internal, invisible, but you’re still suffering from its effects.

ANYTHING can happen to ANYONE at ANY TIME. Maybe at birth, maybe in 20 years, maybe never. But it CAN happen. Having the support there for those who need it currently and those who’ll need it in the future is a basic human right.

[disability-kitties]

Chronic Migraines Kitty mock up

Designer: @zthesheep

Flag Design: @themogaidragon

[a-little-moth]

i made Rex a harness last night :3

[rudyreindeer]

What can you buy on a budget at Walmart/Kroger to eat that is at least mildly nutritious that you don't have to cook?

edit: If the cooking process involves more than a few simple steps or just putting something in the microwave or oven, I probably can't do it on most days. I do not know how to cook anything complex and usually trying to follow complicated recipes leads me to have meltdowns/shutdowns. I'm looking for frozen or canned meat/vegetable options, like stuff that can be tossed in the oven or microwave as-is, not really recipes. But anything super simple with few ingredients needed that can be made in less than 20 minutes is also good!

I have tried frozen dinners and I'm tired of them. They usually taste weird which bothers my sensory issues and the microplastics are super high in the containers and leach into the food as it cooks. I'm stuck drinking bottled plastic water 24/7 already due to my city water being polluted as hell, so I need to reduce how much plastic is going into my body.

I CAN cook, but standing too long uses up all my energy and I will be stuck on the couch or in bed for hours or days depending on how long the cooking took. (my doctor suspects I have hEDS if not fibromyalgia as well like my mom has)

I am also extremely picky and prefer bland food like meats, eggs, and vegetables. But I can't afford produce right now because the stuff from Walmart and Kroger goes bad after a few days. (my mom and I can only get groceries through curbside and the employees always pick the worst stuff)

Is there frozen precooked meat you can buy from Walmart or Kroger that's that doesn't have added ingredients that make your stomach hurt? I'm sensitive to most types of preservative ingredients, they make me feel nauseous and fatigued.

Are there any frozen vegetables that can be cooked in the microwave outside of the bag? Canned vegetable brands with pull tabs? Or canned vegetables in general that aren't full of preservatives?

Sorry for the tag spam below, I just don't know where or who to ask.

[thebitchwitheface]

We as a society need an autism health and fitness guide. I have really strong ARFID and disabilities that are more common when you are also autistic. Having better advice and tips that aren't just "meal prep the fuck outta your life" or "starve" would be nice.

[vlovann]

How

is it that YouTube will keep 2x speed on (for my ADHD) across videos, but it won’t keep Captions on (for my auditory processing issues) across videos????!!!!

I speCIFICALLY asked it to do that

ò~ó

[virovac]

Chingaderita needs meds (documentation below) due tonight! June 2 Monday, ! (EST)

This is NOT A PALESTINE CAMPAIGN, but a supporter of Palestine campaign

@Chingaderita I summarized your last posts

Need at least $134 for meds (including transfer fee) Monday night (edit, now tonight June 6)

Happy pride month!!

Please help a nonbinary parent with 2 trans kids keep their family fed this June, I need my meds to keep living as many years as possible. I need $130 today or I'll miss my meds. And we need $35 to get to this week's appointment or we won't be able to file for an insulin refill.

Have been without them almost 7 weeks.

$0/$600

PaYPAL KO-FI

(examples of kofi)

"last post for transparency's sake. You can find evidence of the fire, that I've been sick for years and if you go back you can see we live in a house full of mold."

long suffering from storm damage and housefire Family of 9, elderly and kids and rescue cats .diabetic and disabled people

"I miss having my medication, I miss being able to eat anything without pain.

I'm afraid of ending at the hospital and not coming back.

Please, we're going to miss tomorrow's doctor appointment we won't be able to file for a refill of insulin until we can get another appointment.

I've had to walk back home under the rain with no raincoat or umbrella for 3 days in a row. I can't afford new shoes or pants or anything."

Summary of problems family faces , past documentation and some of past boosted campaigns below

a post about mother in law

have been helping boost many other donation campaigns* (see below cut),

Now its our turn to help them!

Documentation

Pictures of mold damage and other problems from earlier post before lost phone in links

first link (link 29) OCTOBER 19TH – second link OCTOBER 21ST

Keep reading

I know it’s hard for everyone but please, keep sharing, anything ANYTHING helps. We’ve been getting a bit of food and paying little by little what we owe at the corner store but the upcoming card payment is $190 and my meds are $130 and then let’s not forget my healthcare renewal. I also bring bad news, we’re starting with water shortages just like last year, we’ve gone from having 4 days of water a week to 1-2 if we’re lucky. Our only toilet is busted and there are 9 people here who use it. My kid still needs attention for a UTI he’s had for a couple of months now. And my partner has 3 ingrown nails and 2 big cuts on his feet he’s kept unattended for weeks. I’d hate to up the goal but we need every help we can get!!

more documentation from 2023. and

Went back on my blog to find proof of the fire where my in-laws lost everything, this other one with pictures and proof that I’ve been sick and struggling to get my medication since August 2023. Just felt like having things organized and maybe make another blog to keep all proof I can save since we lost a lot of information and pictures/videos when we sold our phones and lost the computer. Not to mention my blog is way older but I have no idea how to enter my archive :3

*They have been helping boost many campaigns, gaza and otherwise (and have asked me to boost these three while their internet is unreliable): 

(5) AHMED’S [campaign] IS VERY FORGOTTEN, PLEASE, KEEP SHARING!!! – @/chingaderita on Tumblr Donate to Trapped Family in Gaza Appeals for Help to Survive, organized by Abdallah Alanqar – @/chingaderita on Tumblr (latest post (18) Donate to Trapped Family in Gaza Appeals for Help to Survive, organized by Abdallah Alanqar – @virovac on Tumblr) (5) €5,688/€25,000 – @/chingaderita on Tumblr

[autisticmind]

Do you guys ever feel so much sudden rage at society for failing to provide the bare minimum support you needed/need to survive/thrive that you have to actually time. out. your mind for a while to calm down????

[unreal]

I'd like to hold space this 2025 Disability Pride Month for talking about topics which we are still working to globally destigmatize: honoring disabled persons and their experiences as a whole, and suicide.

One of the things I love the most about the Disability Pride Flag is not only the overarching inclusivity of disabled groups, but the unwavering acknowledgement of those who have been affected by ideations, attempted, and/or fatal suicide. Regardless (but not exclusive of) physical or mental ability, there are a variety of factors that can contribute to suicidality, which can be disabling in itself. This is an experience, like many other experiences of disability, that can leave the afflicted feeling compounded isolation when met with improper support. So, as society works toward destigmatizing suicidality, strong conversations surrounding accommodations and beneficial aid for suicidality is crucial; this is why we must take a strong stance against any form of encouragement or suicide baiting -- of anyone, for any reason, without exception.

Kindness is never a mistake, but always a choice.

Telling someone to end their life is abusive, always inexcusable (even as a "joke"), and can never be allied with disability advocacy.