Able Disabled News Summaries by title
Fastest man on no legs
Inspirational speaker
Motivator comes to tackle the mountain
‘Believe in your dreams’
SHS bowler overcomes disability to set records
Disabled strippers set for box office success
‘Inspirational’ Mandy aims for international success
Blind, Disabled Prodigy’s Book Signing and Inspirational Talk to Aid the Needy
An artist with a sense of normalcy
Hope inspires disabled musicians
Triumph in the face of adversity
Turning adversity into opportunity
“They Will Surf Again” event helps disabled surfers
Disabled Chinese Performers Praised In Los Angeles
Equestrian healing
Wheelchair ballroom dance benefit Thursday
Disabled Karen to slide over ice cap
Wheelchair dancer helps others to dream
One-armed businessman shows grit
Paralympic Athletes Training for More than Gold
Victory over disability
Kids Today: Disabled speaker inspires students
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Fastest man on no legs
15th July 2007
By Derek Ballantine
There has been a considerable amount of media coverage regarding the performances of remarkable South African amputee athlete, Oscar Pistorius. Pistorius was born without calf bones or ankles. The parents of Oscar Pistorius decided to amputate both his legs below the knee. During his childhood, Pistorius regularly competed in sports including rugby and water polo using his prosthetic limbs. Recently Pistorius has competed against so-called able-bodied athletes and has recorded a series of impressive results. In these events, Pistorius competed against the world’s best 400 metre runners in Europe and achieved surprising results. Ironically, the success of Pistorius has raised questions about whether his high-tech carbon fibre prosthetic legs may give him an unfair advantage over other athletes. Recently, an article in The New York Times posed the question “Amputee athlete – is he disabled or too-abled?” During his youth, Pistorius was strongly influenced by the support of his mother. Oscar Pistorius’s mother wrote a message to her son which was to prove prophetic. “A loser is not one who runs last in the race. It is the one who sits and watches and has never tried to run”.
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Inspirational speaker
9th March 2007
By Chris Shepherd
The Free Press profiled courageous Paralympian Paul Rosen who was guest speaker at a recent function. During his presentation, Rosen planned to share a remarkable story of his colorful life and sports career with his audience. One of the keys to his success has been a positive approach to dealing with adversity. Eight years ago required an above-the-knee amputation of his right leg to save his life. Rosen told the reporter of his determination to follow his dreams and rebuild his life. “I was determined to do something great with my life, I just didn’t know what it would be”. During his rehabilitation, Rosen discovered a sport called sled hockey and has never looked back. The story described how Paul Rosen has experienced success in sled hockey at the highest level, winning a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2006 Torino Paralympics. Paul Rosen reflected on his adventures as an athlete. “Eight years ago I was told I was going to die and the last thing I thought of was playing the greatest game at the greatest venue, the Olympics”. Paul Rosen told the reporter that one of the keys to his triumph over adversity is to simply manage life one day at a time. “No matter what happens, we can only take care of today”.
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Motivator comes to tackle the mountain
2nd March 2007
This story reported on a remarkable participant in a motor race in New Zealand. One of the competitors in the 10th Anniversary Silverstone Race to the Sky was double amputee Tony Christiansen. Christiansen lost both his legs in a railway accident when he was nine years old. As an adult Tony Christiansen has become a respected motor sport competitor as well as a sought-after motivational speaker. Christiansen uses hand-operated controls to compete in events. “It’s a passion” he told the reporter. The story describes how the father of three has also become a successful businessman, martial arts competitor and a Paralympian. Christiansen is also a qualified pilot. Tony Christiansen told the reporter how he remains ambitious and committed to living a full life. “Inspirational speaking is my profession and there is no point talking about it if you don’t do it”. Christiansen told the reporter about his enthusiasm for the upcoming race where he will be competing in a Pontiac. “Too many people wish they could do or that they should have done things. I can do this, I am doing this, I will do this”.
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‘
Believe in your dreams’
1st February 2007
By Alex Ali
The Harrow Times reported a recent visit by inspiring Paralympic athlete Ade Adepitan to a group of students. Adepitan has a high profile in the public domain. Not only is he a respected athlete but he presents sports travel and adventure programs and enjoys a rich and rewarding life. Ade Adepitan told his audience about his background and how he had to endure many years of struggle to achieve success. Ade Adepitan was a victim of polio during his childhood in Nigeria and was paralysed by the illness. During his presentation he highlighted the critical importance of remaining positive and ambitious despite failure and setbacks that occurred. Adepitan stated to his attentive listeners “Never, ever give up. Always believe in yourself and believe in your dreams, because the sky’s the limit”. At one stage Adepitan had become discouraged and given up sport. He resumed his training with a new attitude and experienced success at the elite level. An adventure trek across Nicaragua by Ade Adepitan attracted considerable media attention and changes many of the public perceptions of disability. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It changed my life in a big way, because it changed a lot of people’s mindsets on disability”.
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SHS bowler overcomes disability to set records
13th December 2006
By Jessica Hasty
The Robertson County Times reported an inspirational story of achievement in bowling. Despite being visually impaired Zack Pentecost has earned a place on the SHS bowling team. Pentecost can only clearly see about 20 feet down the bowling lane but has worked hard and become a formidable opponent. Zack Pentecost averaged below 200 during his first two years as a bowler but dreamed of better things. Pentecost has trained hard and reaped the rewards. At times he has practiced five days a week and five-six games a day. Recently Pentecost beat the former bowling record of 690 for a series when he scored 693. Zack Pentecost’s ambition is not limited to improvement a bowler. Pentecost has also developed a growing interest in bowling centre management and hopes to pursue a career in that area. A key to Zack’s improvement has been his passion. “I just always wanted to bowl. I really enjoyed it so I decided to take it more seriously”.
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Disabled strippers set for box office success
15th October 2006
By Vanessa Thorpe
The Observer reported on a ground-breaking documentary film which is set to challenge many people’s view of the disabled. The film, The Crippendales, follows the fortunes of a group of disabled men who work on the stage as strippers in the tradition of the highly successful The Full Monty. The film recently had a private screening in London and will be presented at the New York Film Festival. Reaction to the lighthearted film has been overwhelming positive. One of the aims of the new film has been to promote sexuality as being normal and healthy for those with disabilities. The film has the highly innovative promotional tag line ‘They might not have the legs, but do they have the balls?’
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‘Inspirational’ Mandy aims for international success
12 September 2006
By John Roberts
If you think that having a disability would stop participation in activities like horse riding you might just be wrong. Yorkshire Post Today reported on Mandy Schofield who was born blind and also suffers from hearing loss. Despite 33-year-old Mandy’s visual and hearing loss, she has become a skilled horse rider. Mandy Schofield dreams of competing in equestrian events at an elite level and dreams of participating in the 2012 Paralympics. Mandy also maintains a punishing exercise regime and frequently completes a four hour round trip to visit a gymnasium. Mandy has become a source of inspiration for the entire community and provides a constant reminder to other gym patrons of the many benefits of exercise. Steve Warner, the head of sports and leisure with the local council told the reporter that “Mandy is such an inspiration, a role model for us all whatever our age or ability”. Mandy Schofield utilizes a communication device called a converser when she rides and communicates with her instructor through headphones
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Blind, Disabled Prodigy’s Book Signing and Inspirational Talk to the Needy
11th September 2006
By Shirley Cheng
This article introduces inspirational author and speaker, Shirley Cheng. Cheng is blind and physically disabled but has become a respected author and sought after motivational speaker. Shirley Cheng was affected by severe juvenile arthritis and received limited education until 11 years of age. Despite her difficulties, Cheng remained determined to take all the opportunities available and rapidly advanced when able to attend school. Cheng lost her sight when she was aged seventeen. Shirley has co-authored a series of motivational books called Wake Up …Live the Life You Love. Recently Shirley Cheng has sought to inspire those whose lives have been affected by natural disasters. She told the reporter about her positive attitude. “Although I’m blind, I can see far and wide; even though I’m disabled, I can climb mountains”. Cheng added, “Let the ropes of hope haul you high”.
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An artist with a sense of normalcy
25th July 2006
Jacqueline Lee
The Santa Monica Daily Press featured an interview with a remarkable artist. 53-year-old Joseph Gille Legacy was born with cerebral palsy. In the first 22 years of his life, Legacy was confined to the house only leaving on rare occasions. Given this terrible start to life, Joseph Gille Legacy’s achievements are truly remarkable. Legacy found fame as a nose painter which has won acclaim in the wider community. In 1986, he earned his GED at Moncton Community College and took classes in writing, computer programming and law. Most importantly, Joseph Gille Legacy has become a skilled artist and now teaches others. At the age of 22, Legacy received his first wheelchair. He subsequently completed the 24-mile Canadian marathon in a wheelchair resolutely completing this demanding event in nine hours. Legacy’s achievements do not end there. He has written four books of poetry and one of his poems, Happy Birthday Canada, has won major awards. Joseph Gille Legacy once said in a documentary “I cannot be who I am not; I can only be who I am”. In the interview in The Santa Monica Daily Press, Legacy told the reporter more about his positive attitude to his situation. “I knew this all my life. I realized it and got it the first time I was on my own, going backwards in my chair. I could do it on my own. I cannot do anything about my situation, the way I am, but I can work with what I’ve got”. The article contains many of Legacy’s intriguing insights.
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Hope inspires disabled musicians
20th July 2006
By To Hang
This delightful story appeared in Viet Nam News and tells of an inspiring musical group which features several performers with disabilities. The folk ensemble, called Hope, was formed in 2002 by master pianist Professor Tom That Triem. Professor Triem was deeply moved by a performance by traveling vision-impaired Russian musicians many years ago and decided to form his own ensemble. The article outlines the history, progress and the philosophy behind Professor Triem’s ensemble. One of the members of the group, Kim On plays a traditional two stringed fiddle called the dam nhi by ear and memory to help compensate for his visual impairment. The ensemble contains several musicians who are visually impaired. A strong commitment to excellence is maintained by Professor Triem. Normally the members of the ensemble are able to play several instruments. This builds confidence and allows the group to play a wide variety of music. The group aims to be able to play to international audiences. Professor Triem expressed his admiration for the talent of the ensemble members. “Musicians with bright eyes like me can look at the written notes when they forget. The disadvantaged have to remember. And they do it well”.
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Triumph in the face of adversity
17th July 2006
This story tells of the success achieved by Paul Reynolds, a remarkable and courageous student. Reynolds lost his left arm at the age of 25 as a result of a hydraulic lift accident. Paul Reynolds’ injury shattered his dream of working as a marine engineer but ambition still burned within the brave student. The article describes how Paul has rapidly rebuilt his life and recently graduated from Newcastle University with first class honours in his engineering studies. One secret to Reynolds’ success has been his positive attitude. Paul Reynolds told the reporter “There’s very little I can’t do. I just find ways round things and if I can’t do something I find the best way forwards that is suitable for me. I tend to be very independent”.
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Turning adversity into opportunity
3rd July 2006
By J. G. Askar
Chris Smith is a student at BYU who required a below-knee amputation as a result of an accident in 2001. The Deseret News tells how Chris Smith has transformed his life and found meaning and promise where many others might find despair. Smith has found success in sporting competition and recently returned from a prestigious international hockey championship in Latvia with a silver medal. Chris Smith was injured in a street luge accident when he was 16-years-old. A decision was made to amputate his right leg below the knee. Smith was helped through this difficult time by positive experiences with other people who had suffered amputations and had built rewarding and productive lives. A key to his personal recovery has been an involvement in sports. Within a few months of his amputation, Chris Smith had resumed skating on the ice. He took several months to find a satisfactory prosthesis but he persisted and remained determined to compete in sports again. Eventually, Smith managed to gain selection in the US National amputee hockey team. Recently, the team enjoyed success in Latvia with Smith competing on the wing. Chris Smith told The Deseret Morning News about his highly positive experience with amputee hockey. “I get to go to another country, representing the U. S. with all these guys. It’s just an amazing opportunity to do that that I never would’ve had before”. Smith added “No one expects to lose a limb, but at the same time it’s opened so many more doors than it’s closed for me. From what I want to do as a career to how I am around my family, it’s changed my perspective on life and made me a much more optimistic person all the way around”.
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“They Will Surf Again” event helps disabled surfers
13th June 2006
This article described an event organized to promote disabled surfing. “They Will Surf Again” is an event for disabled people sponsored by Life Rolls On, a charitable group assisting those with spinal injuries. One of the organizers of the event, Van Starling, told the reporter that “We have paraplegics, quadriplegics… We also have a stroke victim who is here with us today, who went out on a kayak – his first time ever in a sea kayak, and he’s actually getting ready to go back on the water and try surfing”. Enthusiastic volunteers assisted participants in the event. One volunteer told the reporter that “These are people who, just like so many, who don’t want to give up their normal lives – nor should they. With the help of friends and support, their lives are just as normal as the rest of us”.
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Disabled Chinese Performers Praised In Los Angeles
9th May 2006
This short piece reported on an appearance by The Handicapped Art Troupe of China which recently completed its first performance in the USA. The show includes music and dance and attracted an audience of over 2000 people. Performances have been booked for the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. One of the participants, Tai Lihua, told a reporter about the troupe through a sign language interpreter. “Though we have been to more than 40 countries and regions, in every country, we perform with the same high spirit and we dance with the same grateful heart”. The audience reaction was strongly positive. One member of the audience said “I am deeply moved by their spirit of striving unceasingly to become stronger”.
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Equestrian healing
7th May 2006
This uplifting and informative article looked at the positive impact that horse riding has had in the lives of the disabled. The story focuses on the good work done by the South African Riding for the Disabled Association, (SARDA). SARDA provides free lessons and survives on donations from the public. The article describes how the courage of on Olympian led the development of riding for the disabled. A presenter of Carte Blanche, Ruda Landman, reported that “In 1952 at the Olympic Games at Helsinki the silver medal for the dressage was won by a woman who was partially paralysed because of polio. She could only walk with the aid of crutches. Her courage and determination inspired Riding for the Disabled, an organization that now has affiliates around the world”. The article gives several examples of how involvement in equestrian sports has brought hope and a sense of achievement into the lives of children with a range of disabilities.
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Wheelchair ballroom dance benefit Thursday
21st April 2006
By Jessica Tavasti
This short piece publicized an event organized by American DanceWheels, a group that trains disabled individuals and their partners in the finer points of wheelchair ballroom dancing. The group has a website for further information www.americandancewheels.org
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Disabled Karen to slide over ice cap
20th April 2006
This report concerns a bold adventure by 24-year-old Karen Darke. Darke was injured in a rock climbing accident many years ago and paralysed from the chest downward. The accident damaged her body but not her spirit. The story publicises Karen Darke’s plans to travel 373 miles across Greenland, a first for a disabled Briton. Karen plans to complete the arduous journey using a device called a sit-ski. Apart from her personal achievement, Karen hopes that her journey will prove inspirational to young people. Karen Darke told the Daily Record that “We hope that it will motivate and inspire them towards their goals and aspirations”. Karen has recently been training in Lapland to prepare for her journey.
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Wheelchair dancer helps others to dream
19th April 2006
A delightful article in The Springfield News-Sun introduced Blair Wing, an inspirational acting student from Ohio State University. Blair was paralyzed in a car accident when she was 18 years of age. Many people would have been devastated by such a setback and lost hope but Wing has rebuilt her life and now provides a powerful role model for others. An important part of Wing’s recovery has been to remain active and she has become a skilled wheelchair dancer. The story described a recent performance with other dancers that had been organized by Springfield Arts Council. Blair Wing is part of the Cleveland-based Dancing Wheels dance company. Wing told a group of students “Whatever you want to do with your lives, if you want to be a doctor, lawyer, dancer, football player, follow your dreams. You guys can do it, whatever you want to do”.
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One-armed businessman shows grit
6th March 2006
By Eugene Tong
This report describes the remarkable courage of 44-year-old Jim Groman. When Groman was aged 18, he was severely injured in a motorbike accident. The teenager had suffered extensive burns and lost his right forearm. His misfortune did not end there. After four months in hospital, he became homeless because his parents had separated and sold the family home. The article describes Jim’s courageous journey to rebuild his personal life and develop a successful business. Jim Groman started off with a simple purchase of a second-hand portable carpet cleaner and his business has grown from there as a result of his hard work and personal sacrifice. He has worked weekends, late nights and made many cold calls to potential clients. Jim Groman has gradually built a successful carpet cleaning company with many loyal clients. In this inspiring article Jim Groman tells how his positive attitude to his adversity has helped him through many tough times. “It’s the circumstances,” he commented. “You either rise above it – it’s a conscious decision – or you let them sink you”.
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Paralympic Athletes Training for More Than Gold
3rd February 2006
By Brian Padden
An interesting article published by VOA News described the philosophy of Paralympic competition and the multiple benefits of disabled people remaining active and positive in their outlook. The VOA News reporter spoke to ice hockey player Travis Farley who is normally confined to a wheelchair. Farley described his personal experience of disabled sports. “The only way to describe it is that I feel like I don’t have a disability”. He added that “I feel like everybody on the ice are equals. We’re here for the same reason”. The story highlighted the massive increase in the number of participants in disabled sports. Quad Rugby player and Gold Medal winner Rick Draney commented on the demands of his sport. “I’ve had stitches in my head and had surgery on my elbow a time or two, but for the most part we’re pretty injury-free. The chairs are designed in such a way that they take most of the impact and abuse”. Rugby player Tim Daines told how involvement in sport allows many disabled people to rediscover the enjoyment of life. “They don’t know what the future is going to bring. And getting them into these rugby chairs, and watching them play for the first time, and seeing them smile and enjoy life. And it gives them a passion – each morning they wake up and have something to look forward to”.
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Victory over disability
31st January 2006
By Robert Chepkwony
Many people living with disabilities are respected professionals and work in jobs with considerable responsibility. The Kenya Times introduced accountant and auditor Andrew Kimutai Langat. Langat’s life story represents a remarkable triumph over adversity and his professional success has resulted from his perseverance and determination. His story also highlights the importance of firmly grasping opportunities. Despite his professional expertise, Andrew Langat still has to cope with the day to day challenges arising from his disability. The article describes one incident where a shopkeeper assumed that he was a beggar simply because he was in a wheelchair. Langat was confined to a wheelchair at an early age after developing progressive weakness in his legs. The Kenya Times described how Andrew Langat attended school despite his disability and worked hard to achieve good results. He did not achieve university admission at his first attempt but still kept dreaming of a better future. Langat worked as an untrained teacher in a secondary school and later enrolled in a diploma course at a teacher’s college. Once again Langat worked hard and achieved good results. His outstanding efforts earned him a scholarship to study accounting and eventually gained his professional qualifications as a CPA. The article describes Andrew Langat’s courageous life-long battle for acceptance and recognition.
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Kids Today: Disabled speaker inspires students
25th January 2006
This uplifting article describes an inspirational visit by businessman Matt Glowacki to Horace Mann Middle School. The story tells of the profound effect the visit had on the students at the school. Glowacki was born without legs but has led a full and rewarding life. Matt Glowacki spoke to the students about a number of topics and highlighted the discrimination that is experienced by disabled people. Matt has been in a wheelchair for most of his life. Despite being confined to a wheelchair, Matt Glowacki has actively participated in a number of sports including volleyball, kayaking, skiing and basketball. He has also worked in the business community. Matt Glowacki has a refreshing attitude towards life in a wheelchair and a wicked sense of humor. The students were highly appreciative of his visit to the school. Matt Glowacki told the students “I’m exactly the same as anybody else except I don’t have any legs”. Glowacki completed his inspiring presentation by completing a handstand while sitting in a wheelchair.
