As a boy learning to ambulate with leg braces and crutches due to polio, I was at the mercy of my parents and a society that would shape my attitude toward my disability. At the time, the American public took a paternalistic view of people with disabilities (PWDs), manifesting in some programs and schools where less able children were placed. Fortunately, my parents did not baby me and had the same expectations of me as they did for my brothers and sister. But when it was time for first grade, I was marched down to the special school for kids with mental and physical disabilities. Immediately I felt out of place, and with some effort — proving to the principal that I could climb the school stairs unassisted — I was able to attend regular school. I think that my parents’ high expectations and being mainstreamed early into society is what encouraged my independence and self-sufficiency, and led to a colorful and full life.
Landing in Asia in 1984, I immediately sensed that society had low expectations for PWDs, often resulting in sheltered lives. People were not used to seeing solo backpacking travelers on crutches and braces. I soon learned that many PWDs were kept at home due to overprotective families or feelings of shame. Though 15% of the world’s population has some sort of disability, I rarely saw any physically challenged individuals out and about.
I’m reminded of Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which outlines our journey from survival instincts to love, community, and self-actualization. Everyone needs a life of purpose, challenge, and character. By coddling PWDs, families and societies are doing a disservice. Understandably there are some people who are incapable of taking care of themselves. But given the opportunity, the vast majority are able to do more than any of us can imagine. Eagles take off into the wind. People thrive when they are able to direct the course of their lives through adversity. Let’s not hold anyone back more than is prudent. Let us out to experience freedom and purpose.
To amplify the International Day of People with Disabilities, I share with you a photo of a man who continues to stretch the boundaries of what is possible. In the photo you will see a gentleman in a wheelchair with a ventilator. His name is Victor Pineda, and like myself, he contracted polio as a child which affected 90% of his body and his capacity to breathe on his own. As a result, he needs 24-hour care and someone to carry him everywhere. He also depends on the ventilator.
I met Victor at Burning Man, in the desert where silica storms batter everything on a regular basis. Undeterred, here we find Victor, deeply involved in a full range of activities on the Playa. I have great respect for his tenacity and courage to brave the elements in order to experience life on a different level. He reminded me we are only as disabled as our minds allow.
So may I suggest we reflect and take any opportunity available to encourage all people to raise the bar in whatever way they can in order to actualize full and meaningful lives.