Disabled But Still Able

Throughout this semester we had many guest speakers and lectures talk about what it means and what it is like to have a disability. Even with all of the facts presented through the book, I do not believe they would ever be able to resonate as much as hearing them come from someone who has experienced it for themselves. At first, I felt that the guest speaker panel was what I really wanted to reflect upon in this final assignment, and then Brian and John came to speak with the class. Needless to say I then had to start this assignment from over from scratch.

When the panel came to speak with us, I felt that their overall dynamic, input, and personalities really added to the whole experience and allowed for me to relate to them on a personal level. I enjoyed that each person had the same question to answer, and even though sometimes they gave the same responses, for the most part they all took to their disability in their own unique ways. Caryn Ellis’ outlook on the whole thing really made my heart smile, if that is possible. Even though she was a double amputee and no longer had either of her legs that did not keep her from running full speed into life. She expressed that her disability gave her courage and helped her to better see the importance of never giving up. She stated that, “Life goes on and it you don’t go with it you will get left behind”, and that has now become one of my favorite quotes.

Another person on the panel that really caught my attention was Eric. Eric did not allow for his disability to hold him back and even joked around with it. He seemed to be fully able with his current living situation and plans for the future with his recent engagement. I liked how when he was asked about what was hard about his disability, he answered, “My speech impediment, it makes it hard for me to keep up with my 50,000 screaming fans”. Again, like all the other members of the panel, he had a very positive outlook on the situation, and gave light to little things that most people take for granted, like the use of public transportation. Since in class we were not able to express what we thought of the presentation, I felt that this was my way of being able to do that.

Just when I thought I had a better grasp on the topic of disabilities, John and Brian came to speak with our class. Throughout the entire presentation I kept getting chills and smiles from the stories he shared loved being able to look over at Brian and see the joy he had for life. Recapping after that presentation, it was apparent that I was not alone from the impact those two had. I loved how they took something that most people are afraid of (or are even willing to eliminate) and embraced it to its fullest. Their story of going to the Special Olympics in Ireland was amazing to see how recreation really plays a role in everyone’s lives. Recreation and nonprofits can play a tremendous role in building an inclusive community for all by allowing more events, group gatherings, and activities such as this to take place and be implemented into more neighborhoods.

In reference to the topic of disabilities, actions that can be taken to develop more inclusive communities, is simply reaching out to all members. As Eric expressed, public transportation plays a vital role in his life and by reducing routes or taking it away all together, takes away members, such as Eric, from the community. This was also expressed by John when relating to the provisions people are putting on public school systems and the programs available for those with disabilities. It was seen that the work done through in class activities, helps students with disabilities to improve their functions, as well as continue to interact with other members of the community. It seems like certain programs, such as those relating to people with disabilities, are always the ones to be reevaluated or even cut when touch economic times hit, such as now. I feel that as students working to better public programs, it should be seen that if cuts have to be made, they should be equally distributed instead of simply taking from those who also play a role in our community. These thoughts were brought to the surface after sitting down and hearing from those who these kind of things effect.

I feel that by placing yourself in someone else’s shoes, and taking a walk around the block in them, better helps you to understand what life really has to offer. Before coming into this class, I never really thought of the topic of disabilities before and always saw everyone as people. I remember being younger and my 5th grade teacher had us all pair up with a student with disabilities and take walks with them at least once a week. Although some of them were not able to speak, they were all still fully able to live and communicate that with us. From that point on I stopped looking at them as disabled and started looking at them as a unique individual. I feel that this course and emphasis on disabilities has helped me to refresh that outlook on life and see people as able in their own unique way.