Ordinary Life Stories

We often take for granted certain things such as having a partner, a good job, or living in our own home. These are ordinary and everyday things that make up our life. Disabled people and people with mental health difficulties are often faced with barriers which make these everyday, ordinary things very difficult to achieve. Some of these barriers may be internal, but more often than not society places barriers in the way of individuals. These barriers can be other people’s attitudes, a lack of creative thinking or physical barriers.

In Changing Our Lives we are committed to disabled people and people with experience of mental health difficulties leading ‘ordinary lives’. We know from experience that when an individual has tailored support, the right home environment and good healthcare, they are able to be active and valued citizens in the community and have a good quality of life. Changing Our Lives defines Quality of Life as ‘the degree to which a person lives and enjoys an ordinary life, living in their own home, making their own choices about everyday life, having responsibilities, being part of their community, having friendships and relationships, having the opportunity of employment and other opportunities for personal development’.

We know that an ordinary life is achievable for everyone. The stories below illustrate just that.