Caleb FrischknechtEDU 1400Wed 5:30

Simulation Assignment

When I was first trying to decide on what disability to simulate I

wanted to try being blind for the 48 hours, or even deaf. However, because

of my work and church responsibilities I couldn’t fully complete the

assignment that way. So then I decided to eliminate one of my limbs and

make that my disability.

A couple years ago I tore my ACL and could not fully use my right

leg for a few months. I was put in a full leg brace and required to use

crutches. So now for this assignment, since I already had crutches and what

not I decided to simulate my old injury again. So putting on my brace and

adjusting my crutches I began my 48 hours. At first I thought it would be

easy to get used to using my old supports but to my dismay it was as

awkward as the first time I used them.

I decided to do it on the weekend as my schedule during the work-

week is very hectic. I live up on the 3rd floor of our apartment complex,

which became my first challenge in this simulation. I thought it was hard

enough going up and down the stairs with both of my legs but having only

one made it extremely difficult. I also couldn’t drive as I had it be my right

leg so my wife had to drive us everywhere. I prefer to be the driver so it

made me feel weird not being able to drive when and where I wanted to go.

We went shopping and ran errands on Saturday in which I could see

people staring at me probably just wondering what I had done to my leg, but

it felt awkward having all those eyes on me. I probably was just more self

conscious and aware but it was because of my disability that made me feel

that way. On Sunday we went to church and I didn’t like having to explain

to everyone what happened multiple times. I understand a lot of them were

just concerned about me but I just wanted to be left alone to do my own

thing. There were a lot of nice people though who either held doors for me

or offered to help in some way. I was fine with little things but I hated

feeling so helpless when I was fine in every way except for my leg, and even

that was just a simulation.

I knew what it had been like with a disability when I first tore my

ACL but I never really put much thought into it, as I did with the simulation.

It gave me a lot more perspective as to what it’s like in the life of people

with real disabilities and what they have to go through. I was lucky enough

to be able to choose when I would have my disability, but in real cases,

people are forced into their disability and have to learn to live with it for the

rest of their lives.