The end of the year is a natural time to pause and reflect on all that has passed—the victories, big and small; the challenges overcome; and the moments of connection that made it all worthwhile. For disabled individuals and families with disabled children, the close of 2024 may bring mixed emotions: pride in progress, fatigue from the barriers faced, and hope for the possibilities of the coming year.
This isn’t about wrapping the year in perfection—it’s about celebrating resilience, recognizing the importance of community, and looking ahead with purpose. As we prepare to step into 2025, let’s reflect on what we’ve learned, honor the experiences that shaped us, and consider how we can continue advocating for accessibility and inclusion in meaningful ways.
Reflecting on 2024: What Did This Year Bring?
For many families and disabled individuals, this year may have been a mix of triumphs and struggles. Maybe your child started using a new assistive device, and you watched them light up with pride as they learned to communicate in new ways. Perhaps you advocated for an IEP change or navigated a challenging medical situation, finding strength in moments you didn’t realize you had. These experiences deserve to be acknowledged.
Reflection doesn’t need to feel formal or overwhelming. Here’s how you can make it meaningful:
- Celebrate Growth: Did your child meet a milestone or progress toward a goal? Did you achieve something you’ve been working toward, no matter how small it seemed at the time? These are the wins worth honoring.
- Recognize Community: Who supported you this year? Was it a teacher, a therapist, a friend, or another parent walking a similar path? Gratitude for those connections can be a powerful way to close the year.
- Acknowledge the Hard Stuff: It’s okay to admit that parts of this year were difficult. Reflecting on those challenges can help you process them and move forward with clarity.
By reflecting with honesty and care, you can step into the new year with a deeper appreciation for how far you’ve come.
Wrapping Up the Year with Care and Connection
The final days of December can feel like a whirlwind, but they’re also an opportunity to close out the year in a way that feels intentional and meaningful. Here are a few ideas for wrapping up 2024 while centering accessibility and inclusion:
- Create a Year-in-Review Board: Gather as a family and add photos, drawings, or written memories that represent the highlights of the year. Include moments that celebrate progress, connection, and advocacy.
- Express Gratitude: Write thank-you notes or share messages with people who supported your family. Let them know how their kindness or effort made a difference.
- Prepare for a Fresh Start: Use this time to organize or refresh your spaces. Maybe it’s updating an AAC device with new words or cleaning out materials that no longer serve your child. Small steps can create a sense of renewal.
These acts don’t need to be grand—they’re about wrapping up the year in a way that feels connected and thoughtful.
Looking Ahead: A Hopeful Vision for 2025
The new year brings an opportunity to refocus on what matters most. For families of disabled children and disabled individuals, it’s a chance to set intentions that prioritize accessibility, inclusion, and self-care. Here’s how you can approach 2025 with purpose:
- Advocate for Your Needs: Whether it’s requesting accommodations at work or school, or seeking more inclusive spaces in your community, your advocacy has the power to create change.
- Strengthen Connections: Look for ways to deepen relationships with those who understand and support your journey. A strong community can be a source of encouragement and hope.
- Celebrate Your Family’s Unique Path: Plan moments of joy and connection that honor your family’s specific needs and preferences. Whether it’s creating new traditions or simplifying routines, focus on what brings your family happiness.
- Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: The small steps you take toward inclusion—whether in your home, school, or community—add up to something meaningful. Remember, every bit of progress matters.
A Family Activity: A New Year’s Jar of Gratitude and Goals
This simple activity is perfect for families and offers a chance to reflect and dream together:
- What You’ll Need: A jar, small slips of paper, and something to write or draw with.
- Reflect on Gratitude: Write down one thing each family member is grateful for from 2024 and place it in the jar.
- Set Simple Goals: Add one goal or hope for the new year. This could be something personal, like learning a new skill, or family-oriented, like planning an accessible outing.
- Review Throughout the Year: Keep the jar visible and revisit it as the year goes on, adding new reflections or celebrating progress.
This activity is adaptable for all ages and abilities and creates a shared sense of purpose for the year ahead.
Wishing You Peace, Joy, and Inclusion in the New Year
As 2024 comes to a close, take a moment to recognize the strength, care, and effort you’ve poured into this year. Whether you’re reflecting on your child’s milestones, celebrating your own achievements, or simply grateful for making it through another year, know that your journey is important and valued.
To the families raising disabled children: your love and advocacy are the foundations of inclusion. To disabled individuals: your experiences and voices are vital in shaping a more accessible world. Together, we’re creating ripples of change that matter.
Here’s to a new year filled with possibility, connection, and the knowledge that accessibility and inclusion make all the difference. Wishing you and your family peace, joy, and hope as you step into 2025. Happy New Year! 🎉
Until next year, stay connected, keep advocating, and welcome 2025 with hope!