I moved out on my own when I was 18 years old. First, I lived in a dorm setting at Temple University, then in a two-bedroom apartment with a roommate in downtown Philadelphia, and, finally, most recently I moved into a one-bedroom condo also in downtown Philadelphia by myself. Each scenario has come with new obstacles that have tested my independence, but ultimately forced me to learn my limits through experience and to be an even more resourceful person today. In light of moving into my third apartment situation, I thought I would shed a little light on apartment hunting with a disability.

When I began searching for my own place, I knew the ideal apartment would meet four criteria: it had to have no steps, have one bedroom, be close to work, and have a door person. The no steps requirement is for the obvious reason: this tank of a chair isn’t climbing any steps. In college it would take four of my guy friends to carry my chair into Philadelphia row-homes, and even though my friends still carry it when they have to, it isn’t easy. Just like my shoes aren’t made for walking, this chair isn’t made for lifting. I also knew I couldn’t go with a studio- I have too many friends that crash on any given night of the week, and I need my own space. Proximity to work is also important as, like anyone, I hate a commute and the cold- but I also cannot carry an umbrella, and I don’t like wearing a jacket because then I have to ask a co-worker to take it off. Finally, having a good door person is like having the sixth man of the year on your team when you’re living alone with a disability. I know the misconception is that someone is always with me to assist me, but the truth of the matter is that there is plenty of time throughout the day when I’m by myself. Living in the dorm I was able to depend on my classmates for help with little things like getting a drink from the vending machine or turning on my TV, but living in a private residence does not provide the same social safety net.

While living in the dorm had its perks, so does living in my condo. No living situation I have experienced has been better or worse, just different, each appropriate for different stages of my life. I adjust and learn to adapt to each environment because living independently has been and always will be my dream.