I am an individual with disabilities, myself I have an 80% dBs loss in the high frequency have always viewed life as being filled with opportunities and challenge. I have always tried to take all the opportunities presented to me, and even some that were not! Nevertheless, I try to see the positives in life and in my co-workers. It is through the hearts of many who have helped me through the years, that I have maintained a positive attitude toward every-day life's challenge.
My primary challenge of deafness is invisible. I do have what's called an invisible handicap. Translated, that means it is unrecognizable to everyone, but me. I feel I must interject here: I really dislike the word handicapped and disabled. The very connotations of the words bring forth the image of "can't do. "Do you know where the word "handicapped" originated? In the early years people with impairment would take their caps in hand and beg for money to survive.
I propose that everyone of us needs to take a strong look at the "can do's" in the lives of those that have a limitation, it would certainly make life a lot more exciting. Too many people fall into the trap of the "can't do," and believe me, I know just how easy this is to do. I wish I had a nickel for every time someone told me I couldn't achieve something while I was growing up; I would have been a millionaire by age 21!
If one looks at normal physical or mentally challenging events in one's life such as, the fear of not doing a good job, or the fear of what your peers or colleagues think of you: these things are very stressful; [ This is true for all people.] However, with those individuals like myself with impairments, it's a double whammy!
Both the physically-and mentally challenged and the non-handicapped ....(do you like that word-sounds bad doesn't it? well, it's .... I must live the tremendous fears, and it is my feeling that only with the avenue of positive education and awareness, combined with the positive motivation of good business economics, will the fear and the misconceptions change. As you can see, I do not support separatist, militant, or radical advocacy avenues by which the handicapped person is treated. We've all been put down and shut out. Rather, I support showing the need for the physically- and mentally- challenged. We are a positive, viable resource when employers are aware.
The physically- and mentally- challenged have many unique talents, which we can use to give to others, proving that giving is indeed a two-way street. Do you know what the biggest handicap in the world is? The lack of knowledge and awareness about individuals with any type of impairment. Generally defined, it is a preconceived notion of what an individual can or cannot do. As you can see, progress is not consistent in dealing with the handicapped. But that is why the handicapped are now being recognized as a last minority. I would like to offer a challenge to you today I am a positive, viable resource when you become aware.
"Top of The Hill Singles Bowling Tournament Sunday, 5/23/2009
As a first-year bowler it's a lot to learn the sport of bowling. But the more you persevere the more you will excel. David May who just began to learn the sport of bowling this season worked hard to get better. He competed in Rip Van Winkle Fall classic tournament and Finished Second then participated in the "Top of The Hill" Challenge and in the 6 tournament that have been held, he has finish in the Top 3. two Sundays ago, he entered Rip Van Winkle determine to get pass the top Three spot. David took to the lanes and made the top of the leader board Leading the tournament with a 773 this would be a day David will never forget.
Here is the Play-by-play
1st match of the day pitted Larry Barrett against Dana Cummings. Dana came away with a win 281 - 217
Next up was March's Champion Mario Leale. Leale won the Match 252 - 199
Making his way onto the lanes was 2nd seed Saverio Teleco. Telesco Had trouble adjusting on the Right Lane of the championship pair which in turn was his ultimate demise as Leale won the match 261 - 191
Next up top seed David May, this was going to be a rematch of the last Top of the Hill in which the two bowlers face off. The crowd knew they were in for a great match. Cheers from the Many in attendance as they cheered for both competitors in this see saw battle. the final outcome.
David May prevailed and WON! his 1st championship ever Defeating Leale 245-205.
Champion comment:
CONFIDENCE is the feeling you have before you understand the situation, I'm much better than before!
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