A First Hand Account Of Disability- An unnecessary Struggle

For much too long people with disabilities have been misunderstood. We are perceived, perhaps by some reading this, as bitter or weak or foreign or strange. I’ve seen all of them, and our push for equality has been hurt by these misconceptions. All too often handicapped parking spaces are taken by people who don’t need them and public buildings, including those here at Marist are difficult for those with disabilities to access let alone feel safe and secure inside of. I believe these sorts of things happen because people don’t fully understand those with disabilities. I believe this can only happen when somebody who lives with a disability speaks up and makes their voice heard by telling their story. I hope as you continue reading, you come to better understand those with disabilities and our cause.

I was born with Cerebral Palsy. A hemorrhage on my brain left me unable to walk without assistance. I was told by many as a young child that I wouldn’t amount to anything. At times the difficult of simple tasks, made me believe that they were correct. I was often very bitter about not be able to play like other kids or do things as quickly as other kids. Then at age 8, a doctor told me that I would never be anything more than a vegetable. My bitterness was soon overcome by a motivation I can barely put into words. That doctor quitting on me helped me realize one thing, the only person who decides what I am capable of is me.

That mindset has put me here on the road to a second college degree. I am not alone there are many others with disabilities just like me. On a mission to accomplish what others say we cannot. We overcome pain and doubt everyday because we have no other choice. We are not bitter individuals who are content wasting away but rather an unstoppable example of the human spirit, driven by an incredible desire to do the impossible.

This is why impediments such as taken parking spots and an unsafe campus are such travesties. People with disabilities overcome obstacles just by waking up in the morning, and having to constantly navigate curbs missing a cut or open a heavy door because there is no handicap button or worry about our safety in a second floor classroom because of absent security is part of an unnecessary struggle. Other students don’t have to worry about their safety and security the way those with disabilities do.

All I ask for is understanding. Remember that the greatest exercise of the human heart is reaching down and picking someone else up. If you agree with this letter, park a little further away next time you go to the store. And help me make my voice heard, tell Marist’s administration and security that changes must be made and that safety is not too much to ask for. For those of you who have taken the time to read all of this you have my deepest gratitude

If you’d like a copy of this to distribute to your friends email me at- tribe716@aol.com
- Corey