Value the disabled
Let me start off by saying I am a disabled person. As a disabled
person I had to learn how to live on my own by myself; however, I
did find some support through my doctors.
Many of us can do a lot more things if given the chance. That
means that you need to let go of your disabled person. The best
thing you can do is encourage him or her to try things in life. The
sad thing is what will happen to a disabled person if his or her
family dies or moves away. Then who will take care of that person?
We need you to help us to integrate into society.
I have seen many people overcome their fears by being involved
in Special Olympics, support groups, counseling and by working in a
job. Most disabled kids and adults can’t talk to their parents or
family members, so need an outlet like a counselor through the
city, church, a best friend or a facilitator.
A lot of people treat us as if we are stupid, contagious, wacko
or invalids. We all need a support team. We need to have funds that
can help us get programs started to help us. We need extended
educational programs that teach and prepare us to learn to live on
our own or with a roommate. (We can learn) cooking skills, social
skills, reading skills, computer skills, along with working with
job coaches.
We need some day program to supply us with activities during the
day at a center or different activities away from a center. Most of
us disabled people sit around the house feeling alone and rejected
by society, depressed and suicidal, and we don’t see much of a
future. We also sit and watch TV, hoping our lives could be
different. Society tells us we are not people, we are just a
burden. We are left alone.
We need some housing for us in the Douglas County area that can
have a 24/7 person if we need something, as well as transportation
services – and I am not talking about a nursing home
setup.
There are several ways we can help in our communities if given a
chance. We can volunteer our time with community food banks and
thrift stores. We can help do mailings for companies, walk dogs for
animal shelters, help with Special Olympic teams as assistant
coaches and/or players, and we can help those who are more disabled
than we are. As we get to know each other we can become good
friends, as most of us need a close friend.
As I close I would like to say please give your disabled person
freedom to explore what he or she would like to do. Just be there
to support that person and lend encouragement to try again. There
is a Special Olympics motto: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let
me be brave in the attempt.” Allow those close to you to fall down,
but help them up to try again.
Angie Coffman
Castle Rock