At first glance, most people wouldn’t consider Christine Crosby fortunate. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, she looks like she may fall when she walks and her speech is labored. Still, Crosby doesn’t feel sorry for herself and she doesn’t want anyone else to either. She considers herself blessed.
Crosby and others shared their success stories with the UNMC campus on Oct. 15 at a disability awareness event “Life Stories: Ability Awareness.” Sponsored by the UNMC Human Resources and the Employee Diversity Network, the panel discussion was moderated by Mark Smith, a consumer family specialist at the Munroe-Meyer Institute.
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“Does it suck? Yeah, it sucks, but I deal with it,” she said of having cerebral palsy.
Panel member Kathy Hoell, director of the Nebraska Statewide Independent Living Council, spoke about the importance of equal opportunities for people with disabilities.
“People with disabilities are an untapped resource who can work and who want to work, but are just not given the opportunity,” she said.
Hoell lost her nursing license after a brain injury. She then pursued a degree in behavioral science as well as a master’s degree in public administration. The married mother of one shares her story to improve attitudes about people with disabilities.
Mary Angus of Angus Disability Consulting advised attendees to communicate with people with disabilities, “because we are more alike than different,” she said.
All three women spoke of health disparities faced by people with disabilities. They encouraged health care providers to have extra patience when caring for someone with a disability.
Other tips included:
- Speak of the person first, not the disability
- Emhasize abilities, not limitations
- Don’t patronize people with disabilities with excessive praise or attention
- Let people with disabilities speak for themselves
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions