When you hear the word “risk,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? If you’re like many, you might find the idea of facing risks to be challenging, perhaps even anxiety-inducing. But the truth is, whether you live with a disability or not, there is no such thing as a risk-free life.
Risk is essential for independence, offering opportunities for empowerment, experimentation, and growth. Encouraging independence means embracing the dignity of risk, and with that comes the dignity of failure.
If we never take risks and never make mistakes, we never learn. Read on to learn more about the value of dignity of risk, dignity to fail, and why these ideas are essential for individual freedom.
For many people, disabled and non-disabled alike, doing things independently comes with a degree of risk.
Common activities like cooking a meal, riding the bus, and competing in sports are all risky activities in one way or another. But does that mean we shouldn’t try to do them? Of course not.
Sometimes, a little risk is necessary for a massive reward. Even if the risk that something could go wrong seems very real, it’s not etched in stone. It’s also not inherently a bad thing.
A core principle of self-determination is the freedom to make decisions about one’s own life. Dignity of risk means embracing the freedom that comes with taking chances. This doesn’t mean risking life and limb. It’s about giving individuals with disabilities the information and support they need to try new things, even when there are consequences involved.
Risks are a natural part of life; they bring excitement and opportunities! When we try something new, we step out of our comfort zone, accepting that things won’t always go perfectly.
Non-disabled people enjoy the freedom to take risks and make mistakes every day, but this is often restricted for people with disabilities. We all experience failure in our lives. It presents opportunities for growth, and without it, we can never improve.
The dignity of risks for individuals with disabilities lies in their freedom to make decisions, even when there is a potential for failure. Dignity to fail is a matter of consent and empowerment.
When someone learns to ride a bike for the first time, we accept that there will be some bumps and spills along the way. That’s how learning happens.
When there are too many safety nets in place, it can be hard to achieve our goals. If we never take the training wheels off, how can we learn to ride a bike without them?
The freedom to fail is the freedom to learn.
But it’s also important to remember that the risk of failure doesn’t always mean facing defeat. It can also make our achievements more meaningful. Accomplishing something new despite setbacks and the possibility of defeat boosts confidence and self-esteem.
Learning to lose or fail with dignity isn’t always easy, but it’s part of the human experience. Life is full of ups and downs. Our failures have inherent dignity because they require an ability to take risks. They are an expression of freedom.
Dignity of risk and failure can be challenging areas to navigate, especially for parents and caregivers who find themselves reconciling safety with freedom. However, there is a balance between duty of care and dignity of risk.
Duty of care means doing no harm, but it doesn’t mean protecting a person from themselves or keeping them from making choices about their life. Overprotective actions have good intentions, but they can be incredibly limiting, ultimately holding individuals back from achieving their full potential.
Risk offers opportunities for self-advocacy and determination, opening the door for new opportunities and experiences. Supporting dignity of risk can look like:
Embracing the dignity of risk in disability care means enabling and empowering individuals to try new things, learn from mistakes, and expand their horizons. When we learn how to fail with dignity, we open a space for deeper understanding and personal insight. Putting yourself out there is hard, but it can be incredibly rewarding.
NeuroNav is here to be your partner in independence. The Self-Determination Program (SDP) gives eligible Californians the chance to make decisions about the services and support they receive. NeuroNav’s independent facilitation services are here to help you navigate the SDP so you can get the resources and help you need to meet your goals. Schedule a consultation today to learn more.