“We are all different, there is no such thing as a standard or run-of-the-mill human being, but we share the same human spirit”

 

This is just one of the many pearls of wisdom that came from Professor Stephen Hawkings during the Paralympic Games. For me it really struck a chord and articulates a fundamental belief. It also echoes the message of the SCOPE See Me September Campaign, a message that is encouraging people to look beyond the disability and see the person.

Admittedly, sometimes this can be tough. If an amputee walks past me, I am constantly checking out their leg to see what type of components have been used, what the design is, and if I need to do a sneaky iPhone camera pic so I can show my leg man, Cam Ward at APC Prosthetics, what I want my next leg to look like! On a side note, if anyone happens to stumble along a high heel foot for the right side in a US 8, feel free to send it my way. Willing to negotiate baking skills in return.

However, while my curiosity factor around prosthetic legs is due my similar circumstances, it is important to connect on a deeper level. We all have dreams, desires, hopes, fears, and a need to feel valued. This last one is critical. The need to feel like we are contributing to the world; the need to feel that we will leave the world a better place than when we entered into it. Whether this be from creating paintings for others to enjoy, cooking for our families, or volunteering down at our local Scout group, when we are helping others we are facilitating our own happiness and wellbeing. And this message is constant around the world, whether it comes from religious groups, scientific studies, government bodies, or the very communities we live in.

As such, when people get behind SCOPE’s campaign that encourages communities to welcome people with a disability, as well as ensuring their municipalities are accessible for all, the outcomes can benefit everyone. Not only does accessibility allow people with a disability to become involved, contribute, and feel valued, it also generates community wellbeing. While the Melbourne WalkWithMe event was last weekend, if anyone is in Bendigo on Saturday 15th or Geelong on Sunday 16th September, why not head down and show your support. For more details jump onto www.walkwithme.org.au. Not only will there be entertainment for the whole family, but also a few of our recently returned London Paralympians that you can go up to and have a chat with.

And what an awesome games London turned out to be! Not only in terms of how well the Aussie’s performed, but the general demonstration of what sport is truly about – bringing everyone together and breaking down those barriers. London has helped to shatter preconceived notions about disability and has helped to take society’s awareness into a whole new ball park. It was also fantastic how Prof. Stephen Hawkings challenged people to be curious, be creative, and question whether the boundaries we have created really exist. And so is my challenge to you – how can you use your creative talents to help others today?

 

Until next time,

 

Ride safe, ride happy, ride in the moment,

 

Han

 

 

Annie Skinne (VIS Para Equestrian), Natalie Palancian (SCOPE WalkWithMe Ambassador) 

and Han down at the Melbourne WalkWithMe Event