When we demonstrate that no matter what the impairment, they too can become successful, we will see a generation of young people willing to take risks necessary to succeed. I recently returned from a state conference where a number of board members were riding around in motorized wheelchairs and carts. They were able to attend the sessions because of the mobility access made available to them. One state association board member, who is blind, used a white cane and an assistant. There undoubtedly were many others with hearing aids and other assistive devices that were not visible.
Someone has to speak up for changes of inclusion to take place.
If someone had not spoken up about the need for ramps and special parking places, the handicapped would still be without access. If someone had not spoken up, we would not have closed captioning for broadcasts. And we would not have funding for research that led to improvements in assistive technologies. The Special Olympics is a prime example of how people with disabilities are proving they can compete and win. Our schools are being filled more and more with young people who have been labeled handicapped.