Safety First, Last and Always

"You're an accident waiting to happen." I'd call this statement a Dadism, but truth is, my Dad's frequent reminder doesn't only apply to his only child. While correlational statistical studies on assaults, falls, accidents and females with neuro challenges are a struggle to find, anecdotal reports are everywhere. My self-reporting includes everything from rape, to assault, to walking into walls, to falls (yes, falls plural) down stairs. My internist and neuropsychologist work with me to find supports designed to keep me safe and many are working. Vestibular and proprioceptive therapy with the help of a physical therapist, are helping my mind and body coordinate information. Common sense thinking like holding on to stairs rails, is helping me navigate areas including subway systems, buildings and my own home. Reading crime and statistic reports along with police and neighborhood safety groups, provide loads of good information on general safety protocols and local first responder initiatives when I'm traveling. Thinking, planning, researching, reaching out to others, working on my own neuro-connections, are all great ways to increase my odds of staying safe. But sometimes, the world interferes with things we cannot always prepare for or overcome in the moment. 
I urge everyone to take a look at the technology created to make lives safer when emergency situations arise. There are a multitude of things we can do as a group and individual to increase our safety. Technology is making leaps and bounds to help us (caution- some technology can be invasive, do your research before installing or using any technology). I found this review of personal safety gadgets useful and hope you do, too. If you have ideas you'd like to share about safety protocols or know-how, please do share. 
Stay safe.  :-)