Nick Betsoleiman is an 18 year old from Glenbrook South High School in Chicago who recently stepped outside the constraints of his cerebral palsy to climb a 30 foot climbing wall at his high school. Nick normally uses a power wheelchair to get around and only has control over some fingers in his right hand. To read the entire story that appeared in today's Chicago Tribune, click on the title to this story above.
Prior to beginning my career in technology, I was a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and I can tell you that I lived for helping to create moments like what Nick experienced. There is no better feeling of success than to know you have helped someone step outside of their limitations to go to new places they've never been before.
My Nick experience was a gentleman who was very seriously physically disabled and confined to a wheelchair and had never had the opportunity to ride a bike. At the place where I worked, we had a side by side bike that either both riders could pedal or just one. It also had a seat belt to prevent falling. So, we got this gentleman onto the bike and he and a staff member took off down the trail. I could hear the shear joy in his laughter and how for just a moment he was free.
I know being a Direct Support Professional or a Recreation Therapist, as I was at the time, seems to be all about helping people and most of the time it is. However, I can tell you that you never, ever forget moments like these. These moments serve to enrich your life...even if you think all you are doing is helping others.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
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1 comment:
I think it would be better to say person who uses a wheelchair instead of confined to a wheelchair when you write about people with disabilities who use a wheelchair for mobility assistance.
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