In an interview several years ago with Christopher Reeve (Superman) before he passed away, Reeve was talking about life after his riding accident. He talked about the impact his neck injury had had on his life. Not once did Reeve stop beaming with a smile during the interview. What he had to share was of major importance to others with disabilities regardless of whether the disability was acquired at birth, through an illness or injury.

He stressed a ‘never give up attitude’. Even if a person feels terribly about their disability, that negativity can be overcome, be assured. The challenges a person with a disability faces can be the source of a positive experience for them and others around them. Reeve is an excellent example of someone whose self esteem is intact despite not being able to move or walk. With or without the cape, he became a hero that evening to many.

We all live with disabilities, either mental or physical, but some people have more serious disabilities than others. Not everyone knows what it is to live with a disability, but everyone has dealt with shyness and social disability that can seem crushing. If Christopher Reeve can rise above his paralysis surely others can, too. Whatever the disability, we must not forget that we have so much to offer the world and those around us. All we need is to believe in ourselves and respect our individuality. Everyone deserves respect, no matter what their physical or mental condition.

The biggest problem in the life of someone living with a disability is mainly the attitude that goes with the disability, not the problem itself. A disability is only so if you see it as such. If you think you are too short, then this is a disability for you. Perhaps you have a problem with your appearance. These and other problems will certainly affect your self esteem negatively. But, how do we overcome these obstacles and build self esteem?

A few suggestions:
o Don't focus on your disability, focus on what you can achieve
o Get involved in enjoyable, accessible activities
o Realize that no matter how bad life may seem, there are things a person
with a disability can do that others without a disability cannot do
o Remember to celebrate being unique
o Consider examples of others who have gone beyond their disability like
Christopher Reeve, Helen Keller, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, etc.
o Consider seriously the idea that there is something positive to
contribute to others because of a life experience with a disability
o Disability is not a punishment, but use it as a lesson that builds
strength and motivation
o Be surrounded in people who accentuate the positive, not the negative

Believing in yourself before asking anyone else to believe in you. If something is really a barrier to success, face the problem and be determined to beat it! There is more than one road toward success. Be realistic. Is the problem being exaggerated? Do others even notice the disability? You may be focusing on the disability so much you cannot see past it. All the while, others may not even notice your disability.

If on the other hand, like Christopher Reeve, the disability is significant, still each person with a disability is worthy of a positive self image and respect as anyone else. Disability is as natural as hair and eye color, being right or left-handed, height and weight. Every individual is an amazing complex person with so much to say and contribute, but takes recognizing that fact and the willingness to act upon it.

People with disabilities are all made equal to those without disabilities with the same needs, wants and unique abilities. Instead of fighting the forces that seem to be a barrier, use those obstacles to become motivated and get in shape to be best individual possible. It will be a positive road for the individual with the disability and to everyone else.