One of the good things about being disabled is that you meet the most special people and you appreciate things that others don’t as you have first hand knowledge of what those professionals do. In every day life, regular people never meet those who dedicate their lives to helping other people like nurses, social workers and therapists.
These special people teach you how to live with what your challenges are. I have neurological issues. I have cerebral palsy and symptoms of traumatic brain injury. I also have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). My mother had a difficult pregnancy. Some doctors said it was a miracle I was born and came out as good as I did.
I have made progress over the years and looking back, if I could have all the people who have helped me in one room I don’t think I could adequately thank them for all they have done for me. They’ve enriched my life in so many ways.
Once I had a case manager at a day program. She used to tell me, “Aside from your physical needs (i.e., putting my coat on), you’re the same as me.” I never thought that before. I thought I was not contributing like the others but she told me I did. That meant a lot to me.
I had a music therapist named Jewel. She encouraged and inspired me in many ways. She taught me “Greatest Love” by Whitney Houston. The lyrics have to do with “whether I fail or I succeed” to live as you feel. Your purpose in life. The song talks about dignity. Disabled people need to be treated with dignity.
Even if you’re not the biggest success by society’s standards, you’re fulfilling your own purpose. Jewel taught me that. Before I thought, being disabled in those days, you were hidden away. Children made fun of me. She gave me the courage to go out in public. I never wanted to go out in public. But I finally got up the courage to go to a restaurant.
Now I get the chance to pay it forward and help other people. One woman called me a “jewel.” It makes me feel wonderful when people come to me and say I inspired them, when they see my sincerity in making a brachah, when they hear me singing at Ateret Avot (where I live) in the Talent Show, especially my singing tribute to my Mom, may she rest in peace, when they saw my picture in the Daily News when I was one of the winners in the “Dances with the Stars” competition, when they read my articles about my journey through life in The Jewish Press.
At Ateret Avot I attend a group run by social worker, Jenni Levine. Once, I told the group that growing up I wanted to be a professional entertainer because they make people happy. Jenni told me, “ You have a beautiful spirit. You dance with people at Ateret. You take part in the Talent Show. You do make people happy. You get to fulfill your dream.”
People with disabilities – in actuality, all people – want to feel needed and not just needy. We all have that in common. I think everyone wants to feel appreciated.