03/19/2023
As I looked through old Letters to the Editor today that I had published, I came across this one from 2008. I wanted to share it with you.
December 7, 2008
To the Editor:
Your article "Tennis Players Keep Rolling" by Toby Smith was interesting, humorous and informative. More importantly, it was educational. Having spent the last 31 years as a Recreation Therapist working with individuals in a variety of settings, I can assure you that this article can teach many valuable lessons to those with and without disabilities.
First, you have to consider the word "disability". While its root means unabled and focuses on inabilities, we need to begin to focus on abilities. Every person with a 'disability' also has his/her own abilities.
In order to establish and maintain an inclusive community, one in which everyone with a disability participates in life along side those without disabilities, one must see the abilities in everyone. The second part of the formula, after the recognition of the abilities in everyone, is the inclusion factor. We must work to eliminate those barriers that impede inclusion, whether those barriers be architectural, economic, regulatory, or prejudicial.
Each and every person, regardless of ability, is a member of the community and has the same rights and privileges as all. The person with a disability may need to adapt to his or her unique situation, use adapted techniques and equipment, and do things a little differently. If any of you doubt that this is true, go see the Wheelchair Tennis Program at Four Hills Country Club on Saturday morning, go watch the wheelchair basketball program at Bernalillo County's Raymond G. Sanchez Community Center on Thursday evenings from 8-10pm, go observe one of the many wheelchair sports programs at the UNM Campus Recreation Services Program. Toby Smith got a real education visiting the tennis program in his article. You should too.
Jeffrey Paul
Published: Albuquerque Journal
