A month or so with a broken hand gives you some perspective about the challenges of a disability.

I’m blessed compared to all those people with permanent disabilities and even those with longer-lasting but still temporary disadvantages. 

But aside from ultra-personal issues like not being able to tie my own shoes, I’ve noticed many public obstacles for the disabled. And I’m only noting hand-related challenges here. Entire blogs and books – and laws – have been written about the challenges to mobility that a simple bad sidewalk can pose.

The paper towel dispenser above, in a public restroom, is one. It’s nearly impossible to use with one hand.

How about door handles? The Americans with Disabilities Act has addressed that quandary in many public buildings, but not all.

How about the simple PC keyboard, requiring the control-alt-delete combination to start or unlock? It’s only one reason I love my Mac.

Anything that requires two hands – or even one hand and a finger of the other hand – is harder.

I would strongly recommend against breaking a hand. But I would recommend that the next time you try a simple two-handed task, try it with one hand. It’s an eye-opening experience.

  
I’ve struggled with feeding this blog with new entries in recent months, posting less frequently than I’d like.

I felt like I’d been somewhat back on track recently, however. And I was on the verge of a new element for the blog.

Then … Well, see above.

I tripped and broke a metatarsal in my left hand, which has made it nearly impossible to type normally the past couple of weeks.

I’m using a dictation app – and most of my patience and energy – for my real job, so this blog has suffered. 

But hang in there with me.  I’ll still try to do short entries here. And I’ll be getting back to normal soon. I hope.