“We are all different, there is no such thing as a standard or
run-of-the-mill human being, but we share the same human spirit”
This is just one of
the many pearls of wisdom that came from Professor Stephen Hawkings during the
Paralympic Games. For me it really struck a chord and articulates a fundamental
belief. It also echoes the message of the SCOPE See Me September Campaign, a message
that is encouraging people to look beyond the disability and see the person.
Admittedly, sometimes
this can be tough. If an amputee walks past me, I am constantly checking out
their leg to see what type of components have been used, what the design is,
and if I need to do a sneaky iPhone camera pic so I can show my leg man, Cam
Ward at APC Prosthetics, what I want my next leg to look like! On a side note,
if anyone happens to stumble along a high heel foot for the right side in a US
8, feel free to send it my way. Willing to negotiate baking skills in return.
However, while my
curiosity factor around prosthetic legs is due my similar circumstances, it is
important to connect on a deeper level. We all have dreams, desires, hopes,
fears, and a need to feel valued. This last one is critical. The need to feel
like we are contributing to the world; the need to feel that we will leave the
world a better place than when we entered into it. Whether this be from
creating paintings for others to enjoy, cooking for our families, or
volunteering down at our local Scout group, when we are helping others we are
facilitating our own happiness and wellbeing. And this message is constant
around the world, whether it comes from religious groups, scientific studies, government
bodies, or the very communities we live in.
As such, when people
get behind SCOPE’s campaign that encourages communities to welcome people with
a disability, as well as ensuring their municipalities are accessible for all,
the outcomes can benefit everyone. Not only does accessibility allow people
with a disability to become involved, contribute, and feel valued, it also
generates community wellbeing. While the Melbourne WalkWithMe event was last
weekend, if anyone is in Bendigo on Saturday 15th or Geelong on
Sunday 16th September, why not head down and show your support. For
more details jump onto www.walkwithme.org.au.
Not only will there be entertainment for the whole family, but also a few of
our recently returned London Paralympians that you can go up to and have a chat
with.
And what an awesome
games London turned out to be! Not only in terms of how well the Aussie’s
performed, but the general demonstration of what sport is truly about –
bringing everyone together and breaking down those barriers. London has helped
to shatter preconceived notions about disability and has helped to take society’s awareness into
a whole new ball park. It was also fantastic how Prof. Stephen Hawkings
challenged people to be curious, be creative, and question whether the
boundaries we have created really exist. And so is my challenge to you – how
can you use your creative talents to help others today?
Until next time,
Ride safe, ride happy,
ride in the moment,
Han
Annie Skinne (VIS Para Equestrian), Natalie Palancian (SCOPE WalkWithMe Ambassador)
and Han down at the Melbourne WalkWithMe Event
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