Lifestyles of the Differently Abled
How Did It Go?
With a spectacular group of panelists, Lifestyles of the Differently Abled was an event not to miss. About 100 people attended from across Colorado to hear from 8 panelists, including multiple people with different abilities, about the unique experience of having different abilities. Read below some highlights from three of the panelists.
Brent Belisle, staff member at The Arc, started the night off with ease and humor. He spoke seriously, as well, by talking about the low expectations doctors had for his life when he was born. He then spoke about graduating from high school, receiving his bachelor's degree, then his master's degree, and working in the disability field for more than 20 years. Brent more than proved that the doctors from long ago were wrong about his capabilities. He challenged audience members to take a chance and just say Hi to someone with a different ability, and strike up a conversation even if you have never met her/him.
Another panelist, charismatic high-school student Evelyn Murphy, spoke about her life experiences as a young person with different abilities, and someone with a younger sibling with autism. She delighted the audience with stories from her family life, which highlighted just how alike we all are. She shared some of her aspirations for the future (to work with kids with autism), and she explained just how much she has learned from being in her unique situation. Evelyn challenged the audience members to put themselves in the shoes of someone with a different ability by trying to make that person smile.
Last of the 8 panelists, but certainly not least, well-known author and professor Dr. Temple Grandin spoke about her life. In her dynamic and matter-of-fact style, she spoke about being a visual thinker (thinking in pictures instead of words or numbers) and how that has shaped her life. She also recounted memories from school years that had a lasting impact on her, like being bullied, but also finding friends in specific ways. She talked about the value of careers where people use their hands (welding, steel work, building, etc.), and how those can be especially beneficial for some people with autism. And finally, Dr. Grandin encouraged us all to focus on what we CAN do instead of what we can't.
Each panelist contributed wonderful dialog to this moving event. CLICK HERE to watch the recording!
