In attempt to help my friend that I spoke of in my previous entry I have been sharing some of the pieces that I have written and used in my advocating experiences.  I hope you all can give me some feedback on them, as well as how you think I could help him. 

Taken from incight.org  Handicrap™ in simplest terms any attitude that keeps a person with a disability or a person without a disability from moving beyond their boundaries and doing what they need to do to succeed.

My piece:

      Handicrap, in my own words is what I would call an artificial barrier.  An artificial barrier is something put in our way that should not stop a person from reaching their full potential.  So many disabled people have great potential, and are all too often discouraged because they do not realize that the artificial barriers can be moved.  Having a disability means a person has spend a lot of their life showing the world what they are capable of.  I have had the chance to work for a wonderful institute which has a goal of unlocking the potential of disabled children and adults.  I have spent a majority of my time working in the Recreational Therapy Department, our philosophy is… “All kids can play.”  This is a philosophy that I truly believe.  I am now a part of a national community service program called Americorps, a network of national service programs providing intensive service to meet the needs of public health, education, and environmental needs.  Through this program I am expanding on my skills as well as meeting others who may have misconceptions about individuals with disabilities.  Within seconds of meeting me these misconceptions are soon gone!     My goal is to change society’s view of a disabled people.  I believe that there is only one way to change this.  I have to get out in my community and push the limits.  I have to show people that just because I use a wheelchair; it does not stop me from making a difference in the world.  I believe that it will be a lifelong process, but if I continue showing others what I am capable of society’s view of the disabled will gradually change.  I have spent a lot of time fighting for the rights of disabled, and plan to continue this throughout my life.  I feel that changing views will require changing government policies that often hinder the opportunities that are given to the disabled.