Article about a swim coach with a disability [Archive] - Spina Bifida Connection Support Forum

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Lifeisgood

12-17-2011, 04:30 AM

I found this article and video while commuting to work today and thought it might be an inspiration or of interest to some of you. While the woman primarily featured in the article has a disability from polio, her attitude is awesome. They also talk in the article about how she coached a girl with SB as well. There are also some comments that many of us may be able to relate to as well. Enjoy!

http://www.boston.com/sports/schools/articles/2011/12/16/for_tanner_coaching_at_eaglebrook_has_brought_its_ watershed_moments/

Justy Me

12-18-2011, 02:59 AM

Lifeisgood

12-19-2011, 01:26 AM

Ahh, I meant the comments within the article itself. :)
I particularly liked how she said (in relation to missing the invention of the polio vaccine by about 6 months)
“Then I wouldn’t be who I am, and I like who I am,’’ she says.
“In my mind, I’m not disabled,’’ she says. “I see my disability as an ability.’’

ME TOO! :D

P.S. Glad you liked it!

HoosierMama

12-19-2011, 07:18 PM

Great article...very inspiring too. Those kids are lucky to have her.

Thanks for the link!

sean

12-19-2011, 07:31 PM

Good stuff........and ME TOO! :D

sean

12-19-2011, 08:33 PM

“Then I wouldn’t be who I am, and I like who I am,’’ she says.
“In my mind, I’m not disabled,’’ she says. “I see my disability as an ability.’’

ME TOO! :D

Lifeisgood,
I know you get it, and I get it. I was beginning to think it was because of our... fence position, of our abilities to appear able-bodied (accepted with basic social expectations) or be dis-abled with our SB lot (less accepted with, accordingly, basic social expectations).
Like... we with hidden disabilities are basically confused about the greater social interpretation of ability and disability....therefore we may tend to see our abilities and ?disability (in the greater social interpretation) as a clearer untruth.
I was wondering if it was because of our (yourself, myself and a few others, I feel truely understand/believe) middle ground of living between both arena's socially, that we have this understanding of ourselves (that we are totally normal within ourselves and any 'dis' about us is not ours it's thiers).
Clearly we are not alone, and I wish for all to feel this blessing to have been born just the way we were.
Sure, "I" had a battle in my early days, but from an early age, I knew 'they' (society) had it all wrong, I always felt better than they expected me to be.
My normal way of toileting is only different/disabled to others, not me.

I was born this way! what's thier excuse?????

Excuse me...it is always a delight to hear of others who know themselves as perfect as is.

Polio, Spina Bifida...I see the gift.

Thanks.

Sean.

Gymp

12-21-2011, 02:21 PM

Interesting article!
It kinda hit close to home reading it.I had an art teacher in grades 7 and 8 who had polio and lost a leg because of it.That man was the one who got me interested in art,he encouraged me to pursue it and had always challenged me to do better.After graduating those grades and moving on to highschool I'd still go back to see Mr.Linders.I'd show up at the old school at around 4pm with my new artwork and he'd take the time to critique it and show me different avenues to explore and push me further along.Sometimes we'd sit and discuss art til after 7pm.I'd then go home and be in trouble for missing my supper lol.

Sadly good ol' Mr.Linders died of a stomach ulcer or some such when I was in grade 11.He was the only teacher that knew how to push and encourage me along,he was not only a great teacher he was a GREAT guy and became a GREAT friend.I've often wondered that if he didn't die if we would have continued our relationship to the present day.
I would have hoped so!

Gymp