The funny side of disability: Finding humour in everyday challenges

Life with a disability isn’t always easy. There are obstacles, frustrations, and moments that make you want to throw in the towel. But do you know what makes it all a little humour lighter? Sometimes, you just must laugh at the absurdity of it all - because if you don’t, you’ll spend your days pulling your hair out (which, let’s be honest, is a challenge if you have limited mobility!). 

Disability comes with a built-in comedy routine, whether you signed up for it or not. From epic wheelchair fails to unintentionally hilarious conversations with strangers. Embracing the funny side of it all makes the experience a lot more bearable. 

Comic co-stars  

If you use a wheelchair, you already know that the world is basically your personal obstacle course - except you didn’t sign up for the race, and there’s no prize at the end. Ever tried rolling across cobblestones? It’s like riding a mechanical bull at a rodeo, but with more bruises and fewer cheering fans. And don’t even get me started on ramps. Some are so steep they could double as ski slopes. Others lead to nowhere -just an abrupt drop-off where the builder clearly ran out of ideas. Then there are the ramps that technically meet accessibility requirements but take you on a scenic detour around the entire building, making you question if reaching the entrance is even worth the effort. Spoiler: it usually isn’t. 

Automatic doors are a blessing - until they develop a mind of their own. Sometimes, they refuse to open, leaving you waving dramatically like an overenthusiastic air traffic controller. Other times, they open so slowly that you must roll back and try again, like you’re rebooting a computer. And then there are the doors that only seem to open for everyone else. You sit there, waiting, watching, and wondering if you’ve somehow become invisible.  

If you have a visible disability, you’ve probably had some, let’s say, “unique” interactions with strangers. Some suddenly become self-proclaimed disability experts, offering unsolicited advice like, “Have you tried yoga?” as if a downward dog will magically make your legs work. Others assume that if you use a wheelchair, you must also be hard of hearing, so they start speaking to you like you’re their 90-year-old grandmother who misplaced her glasses. 

Technology has given us incredible accessibility tools, but it has also provided a whole new realm of things to laugh (and cry) about. Voice-to-text software? A hilarious adventure in autocorrect fails. A simple message like, “I’ll be there soon” can turn into “I’ll eat the moon,” and suddenly, you sound like a werewolf making dinner plans. Smart home devices? They’re great until you realise that yelling “Turn on the lights” at Alexa only works if she listens. Otherwise, you’re just sitting in the dark, contemplating your life choices. 

Taking it in my stride 

Falling is never fun, but if you have a disability, it comes with an extra layer of ridiculousness. There’s the slow-motion fall, where your brain registers what’s happening, but your body is like, “Nah, we’re committed to this now.” Then there’s the classic getting stuck scenario - maybe it’s a curb, maybe it’s a crack in the sidewalk, maybe it’s a rogue pebble that somehow brought your entire mobility device to a grinding halt. Whatever the case, you’re left in an awkward position, debating whether to call for help or just accept your new life as part of the pavement.  

At the end of the day, having a disability comes with challenges, but it also provides plenty of comedic material. Learning to laugh at the mishaps, misunderstandings, and downright bizarre situations makes everything a little easier. Laughter breaks down barriers. It makes people feel comfortable, helps shift perceptions, and reminds the world that disability isn’t just about struggle, it’s also about resilience, joy, and, yes, a whole lot of humour. 

So, the next time your wheelchair gets stuck in a doorway, or a stranger gives you an unnecessary pep talk, take a deep breath and find the funny in it. After all, life’s too short not to laugh.