I live with a chronic pain condition called fibromyalgia, which leaves me dealing with disabling pain and fatigue. I wanted to be a part of a program that would help people to better understand the lives of people who have disabilities.

I live with a chronic pain condition called fibromyalgia, which leaves me dealing with disabling pain and fatigue. In high school, I used a wheelchair to get around. Because of that, I was enrolled in an adaptive P.E. class my sophomore year. This was the first time I had met anyone with a disability. I got to know my classmates and they quickly became my friends. Their positive attitudes and perseverance in the face of incredible challenges inspired me. I learned so much from them.

The most eye opening experience for me occurred every day as we lined up for class outside the locker rooms, next to the other P.E. classes. My classmates and I faced relentless teasing, name calling, and humiliation at the hands of the students without disabilities. Sadly, this often went on with teachers watching.  Some days it was so bad that when we finally were separated from the other classes to begin our lesson, some of my classmates would spend the first half hour crying because of the ridicule they had endured.  Because I was shy and struggling to deal with my own lack of confidence in having to be in a wheelchair every day, I never stood up to these bullies.  I never stood up for my friends.

A few months into my sophomore year, I had to drop out of the school and start home study.  But thoughts about what I had experienced in that adaptive P.E. class were never far from my mind.  So when I read a newspaper article about ATOU six months later, I knew I had to call and see what I could do to help.  I was invited to a presentation and was hooked.  Being able to share my experiences and educate people about life with a disability gives my pain meaning, gives my life meaning.

The most rewarding part of working with A Touch of Understanding is watching how just a few hours of education can completely change a child's attitude. How quickly they can go from laughing at our introductory video, to total admiration and respect for individuals facing a disability. My hope is that in the future, every child will have been through a program like ATOU and people with disabilities won't have to endure the teasing my classmates and I faced.  I believe if the kids that were teasing us had the opportunity to learn about what life was like for their classmates with disabilities, they would have been able to see all they had in common, and become friends.

Through ATOU I have made many wonderful friends. The people involved are dedicated, fun and welcoming.  I would encourage you to join us in this mission. Together we can make a difference.