I sincerely believe saying that, “Success is not shown in the things we have done, but it is in the things that we have had to overcome.“
BY LAUREN M. KOENIG AND H. BARRY WALDMAN, DDS, MPH, PHD
[Definition] Overcoming: To defeat or succeed in controlling or dealing with something.
Enter the two words “overcoming disabilities” on the Google search engine page and within fractions of a second, 956,000 web sites become available. It should come as no surprise that so much attention is directed to assisting individuals with disabilities, when the U.S. Census Bureau reports that almost 1 in 5 residents have one or more disabilities.1 Hundreds of thousands of internet reports document the unbelievable situations that individuals with disabilities have successfully overcome as they seek to normalize their daily lives for themselves, their families and friends. The inspirational recitations undoubtedly have helped many in their personal quest to triumph over their particular difficulties.
REALITIES
The Census Bureau detailed that there were almost three million children with disabilities in the United States in 2014. The Bureau projects that by 2030 there will be 3.5 million children with disabilities.2 The Supreme Court decisions ensure that deinstitutionalization, mainstreaming and dependency on community services will continue to be major realities in the care of youngsters with disabilities, (in addition to the 20.9 million adults 18-64 years with disabilities and 25.7 million seniors 65 year and over with disabilities).3,4
OVER-SATURATION?
Newspapers and magazines, television and any number of handy electronic gizmos, movies and radio commentaries, mailed appeals and just about any other means of communication repeat the heart rendering stories of children (and adults) who have surmounted impossible odds and lead fulfilling lives. But isn’t the continued “Hallmark” extended series of stories of accomplishments just too much (similar to those movies that resolve family complexities in the final scene with love, flowers and beautiful sunsets)?
A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
“From the point of view of a fresh water fish, a lake is an island; an island of habitable water surrounded by inhospitable land.”5 That’s why I suggest a different approach. (Now turn up the imagined rap music as you read the following page) Note: I am Lauren the poet-singer. I am 15 years old with cerebral palsy. I am a surviving twin. I was a micro-premature baby born at one pound and a few ounces.
ADVERSITY
Enter the two words “overcoming adversity” on the Google search engine page and within fractions of a second, 831,000 web sites become available. Many include inspirational stories, quotations, general advice and specific listings, e.g. keep a journal, try exercising, get active in community events and celebrate your accomplishments. All too often the advice is for adults with their particular difficulties. What of youngsters? The need is to speak and advise at their level; yes, even using rap music! As a teenager, I am well aware of the difficulties I face as I undergo the transformation to adulthood. I just hope that those who love and support me will remember all that I’ve overcome and my need to “soar” in my world of adulthood.
I sincerely believe saying that, “Success is not shown in the things we have done, but it is in the things that we have had to overcome.” 6 •
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Lauren M. Koenig is a Sophomore in Jericho High School, Jericho, New York.
H. Barry Waldman, DDS, MPH, PhD – Distinguished Teaching Professor, Department of General Dentistry at Stony Brook University, NY; E-mail: h.waldman@stonybrook.edu
References
1. U.S. Census Bureau. Nearly 1 in 5 People Have a Disability in the U.S., Census Bureau Reports. Available from: https://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/miscellaneous/cb12-134.html Accessed January 14, 2016.
2. Census Bureau. 2014 American Community Survey. Sex by age by disability status. Table B18101. Available from:
http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_14_1YR_B18101&prodType=table Accessed January 14, 2016.
3. Census Bureau. Projections and distribution of the population by race and Hispanic origin for the United States: 2010 to 2050. Available from: http://www.census.gov/population/www/projections/analyticaldocument09. pdf Accessed April 29, 2013.
4. Waldman HB, Perlman SP. Population projections; overwhelming the number of children with disabilities. Exceptional Parent Magazine 2013;43(3)14-16.
5. Dawkins R. The Greatest Show on Earth. New York, Free Press: 2009
6. CoolNSmart: Sayings and Quotes. Available from: http://www.coolnsmart.com/page/3/?s=overcome
Accessed December 15, 2016
