Editor's Note: Welcome to another installment of Words of Wisdom Wednesday. I've known Tatum since high school, and we actually share the same birthday - in the same year! I've always admired her strength and determination...hmmm, maybe August babies are the strongest. Enjoy her story, and do let me know what you think by emailing mellow1422@aol.com.
Tell me a little about yourself, including your disability
I was born in Illinois in 1981. I was born with a disability called Spina Bifida. That means that when I was born all the nerves weren't all hooked up. I love my family and my friends and I also LOVE music. I graduated from high school in 1999 and am working towards a degree in Therapeutic Recreation.
What has been the most significant obstacle you've overcome in life? How did you overcome it?
With out a doubt, I would say the most significant obstacle I've had to overcome is getting through college. It has taken me 10 years so far and I'm still at least two years away. School has always been hard for me. I plan to overcome this by just keep plugging along. I know eventually I'm going to get my degree and when I do, I'll feel great that I did accomplish something.
What do you think is the biggest stereotype or misconception about people with disabilities? Why?
I think the biggest stereotype about people with disabilities is that we are all lazy and that we can't do anything for ourselves. I think people are also very afraid to get to know us because they don't understand us. The saying is really true I think..."People are afraid of what they don't understand."
What has living with a disability taught you the most about life?
Having a disability has taught me so much about life. It's taught me to go after things I want in life. It's taught me not to judge others because I don't know what they've been through, but I think the biggest thing it has taught me is I am capable of doing most things despite my disability.
What do you think are the biggest issues facing people with disabilities in 2009? Do you think these issues are being addressed - why or why not?
I think a lot of the world isn't as accommodating as people would like to think it is still. So I would say that's probably the biggest issue. I think in some ways things are being addressed, but then you see some really big mistakes about accommodations and you aren't so sure. I think they aren't being addressed because some people aren't aware of how many people in the world have a disability. They think only a few thousand do, so they see it as not necessary.
If you could tell society one thing about disabilities, what would it be and why?
If I could tell society one thing about disabilities, it would be that we may have to do things differently, but we're still capable of doing most things. Don't treat us like we're broken. I think some people in society need to learn this so that they can see what they are doing to people and how they treat people.
