For many people with disabilities (or those who love and support them) the “car” we’re chasing might represent an inclusive education, an accessible workplace, equitable healthcare, or a sense of independence. When we finally catch up to these goals, we sometimes find ourselves unsure of the next step. We’re told to dream big, to aim for success, to chase that “north star.” However, there’s often little guidance for what happens when the dream is achieved or how to adapt if the dream no longer fits. There’s a phrase I came across recently that perplexed me: a dog chasing a car. It made me stop and think – what happens when the dog actually catches the car? For some reason, my mind conjures two scenarios:
- A scrappy little terrier, barking furiously at the car, catches up but doesn’t know what to do. It hops backward, barking louder, unsure of its next step.
- A determined German Shepherd, all muscle and drive, lunges at the car with teeth bared. Yet no matter how hard it tries, it can’t break the window or open the door.
And then I thought, isn’t this a lot like how society treats dreams and goals?
The Chase We Know
- For the individual with a disability, maybe the car is a career goal, a spot on a sports team, or achieving a milestone of independence. But what happens when you “catch” that goal? Is it fulfilling? Does it meet your needs now?
- For caregivers, educators, and advocates, the car might be fighting for an accessible world, but what happens when the barrier comes down? Are we prepared to support what comes next?
The Barriers Beyond the Goal
Sometimes, the car stops, but it’s locked. We reach our destination only to find unexpected obstacles like when a school boasts an “inclusive” classroom, but the curriculum still isn’t accessible. It could be when a workplace checks the box for hiring disabled employees, but the culture doesn’t support their growth or success. In my experience, an adaptive sports program offers a seat at the table, but without a voice in the decision-making process.
Catching the car is just the beginning. What we do next is where the real fulfillment happens.
Reimagining the Path
Here’s where the metaphor takes a turn. What if we stopped chasing cars just because they’re moving? What if we paused to ask:
- Why am I pursuing this dream? Is it something I truly want, or is it what others expect of me?
- Does this dream still fit? People change, and dreams should, too. A goal that felt right five years ago might not align with where you are today.
- What happens next? When you achieve the goal, how will it support your life and growth?
For individuals with disabilities, the chase is often layered with systemic barriers, societal expectations, and personal desires. It’s okay to reevaluate your dreams and adapt them to fit your evolving needs.
Dreaming With Disability in Mind
Dreaming with intention is critical, especially in the disability community. Here’s how we can approach the chase differently:
- Define Success on Your Terms. Success doesn’t have to mean catching someone else’s car. It can mean building your own. What does success look like for you – not just for society’s standards?
- Adapt and Evolve. Your dream today doesn’t have to be your dream tomorrow. If the goal no longer serves you, give yourself permission to pivot.
- Prepare for the Aftermath. Catching the car isn’t the end – it’s the beginning of a new chapter. Plan for what comes next so you’re ready to step into the future with confidence.
- Advocate for Systems Change. If you reach the car and find it locked, don’t stop there. Use your position to unlock doors for others and challenge the systems that keep those barriers in place.
The Why Behind the Chase
For people with disabilities and their allies, chasing dreams isn’t just about catching the car. It’s about knowing why we’re chasing it in the first place. Are we barking at a barrier, clawing at a window, or working to create a world where everyone’s car is accessible, attainable, and meaningful?
So, here’s my challenge: don’t just chase. Reflect, reassess, and reimagine. Make sure your dreams align with your values, your needs, and your future. Because when the chase is over, what matters most isn’t the car – it’s what you do when you finally catch it.
