Power Grid Blog
Dream. Drive. Do.
February 25, 2013 | Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt
I am extremely honored to be receiving the Paul G. Hearne Leadership award from the American Association of People with Disabilities. As I look at the list of past recipients, I am truly humbled to be among this prestigious group of movers and shakers. Simply seeing the names of past honorees, I am proud to have my name included with these outstanding individuals, who personify leadership, advocacy, and dedication to and for persons with disabilities.
While I did not have the privilege of knowing or meeting Paul G. Hearne, I have heard countless stories of his determination, spirit and sense of humor. I believe we would have hit it off. The more I learn about his life and dedication to improving the lives of persons with disabilities, the more I wish I had the opportunity to know him personally.
As mentioned in my previous blog, for as long as I can remember, I have had my disability. This means that for as long as I can remember, I have also been an advocate. Whether it was educating people about how I participate in sports, drive a car, or pushing to be able to attain a high school education, I gained firsthand experience of what it meant to be an advocate very early on. Coupled with my passion to make a difference, these experiences formed the foundation for my platform to become an advocate of change worldwide.
As a Paralympic athlete and former world record holder, my platform and audience grew over time to reach people with and without disabilities. I enjoy speaking at schools, organizations, community events, and corporations; sharing my message to motivate children and/or employees. I share my story, inform others about disability culture, and teach about the ways in which we can provide better access and better interactions with members of a disability group. I serve on the board of Disabled Sports USA and am recognized as an ambassador for numerous organizations that look at disability issues in our country.
I developed a children’s educational coloring book: Color, Learn & Play: All About Sports For Athletes with Physical Disabilities. The book features four different sports: wheelchair racing, wheelchair basketball, sled hockey, and downhill skiing. This coloring book includes activities that teachers can use. There were many times in my life when I could have given up on myself, such as when educators gave up on me and told me that I could not go to college, because I had a disability; or when I was banned from participating in gym class from the fifth grade on. As trying as these times were, they also gave me the gumption to pay it forward and to do what I can to make sure that other children with disabilities know about the opportunities that exist. I also believe there is a responsibility, as an engaged citizen with a disability, to leave a legacy. To me, this book is an educational tool; as much for the young child with a disability as it is for his/her peers and teachers to learn about what is possible.
In addition to helping to change perceptions about disability in the ways mentioned above, I also have worked to improve educational opportunities and policies internationally for persons with disabilities. For example, I have returned to orphanages in India, helped to create wheelchair sports opportunities in Bermuda, and coached developmental and Paralympic athletes in Ghana, West Africa. On these international trips, not only do I interact with individuals with disabilities, but I also met with leaders in government and advocates for people with disabilities everywhere. I also have become a mentor to many youth with disabilities in these locations.
Looking ahead, my priorities for the next three years are to create a world that is physically/socially accessible and accepting of all individuals with disabilities, across all domains of life including education, employment, sport, and healthcare. To this end, as a public speaker, world-class athlete, and ambassador I am aware that I have a platform to share my story and to make a difference. While my story is about overcoming obstacles, approaching life with gusto, and helping others to reach their fullest potential, I also know that other people with disabilities have equally powerful stories to share. I am aware that people who may need this type of positive message most, oftentimes are overlooked when individuals, such as myself, are invited to present at schools or not-for-profit organizations. To this end, I am developing a two-strand speaker series for (1) school systems and/or organizations that primarily serve at-risk populations and (2) for inpatients at rehabilitation hospitals. Additionally, I hope to get my coloring book out to a broader range of organizations and agencies.
I plan to continue my mission and help to make life easier for those with disabilities while living my motto, “Dream. Drive. Do.” I am honored to continue the legacy set forth by Paul G. Hearne. I will happily carry the torch and follow in the footsteps of past recipients of this prestigious award. Thank you for recognizing me as a leader in the disability community and let’s all continue to cultivate future leaders and advocates.
