I think it's sad when I see kids (and adults) stare at a person in a wheelchair or a person with a disability. I know most of it is curiosity and because they don't understand. I wish they understood that, the person has the same feelings they do, and you don't have to be afraid of them. It's ok to say "Hi". Kids will naturally be curious and ask questions, but that's a good thing. It's better they know the truth, then think something their little minds just make up.

My friend Randy has Cerebral Palsy and is wheelchair-bound. Actually he uses an Amigo scooter to get around. He is always very open to talking to people about his disability. As a matter of fact, he goes to schools to talk to classes and shares with the students and teachers what it's like to have a disability and still live a normal life. He talks about his job at TCH, a state wide organization that has programs for disabled people, about how he owns his own home, how he loves to travel, and likes to have fun (especially going out to eat). He has the same desires as the rest of us. He' just in a wheelchair, but he doesn't let that stop him.

I think it's wonderful that he is educating the public, and I give him a lot of credit for having the courage to speak up. He's braver then I am. 'm a big chicken when it comes to speaking in public. But not Randy, not even with his speech impediment. Itdoesn't stop him. He just takes someone along to interpret for him. The photo you see attached is him speaking at one of the colleges. If you know of any schools in Arizona that would be open to having Randy speak there, you can e-mail him at randyrussell@tch-az.com

Thanks Randy, you're doing a good thing. You Rock!