Bob, I'm in complete agreement with you. If the quote below is accurate, this guy really has nothing in common with those of us living with SCI, and probably cannot fathom that us quads could go out in public, unashamed--proud even--of how far we've come. About two weeks ago there was a major story about a paraplegic who was going to 'walk' across the stage to collect his Cal-Berkeley diploma using an 'exo-skeleton' designed by the engineering department. While I agree the engineering students deserve kudos, the story played up the mellowdrama of this kid triumphing over his paralysis by marching across the stage. He can't have been the only wheelchair user earning a degree that day. Were those who rolled across the stage "less than?" It's a perpetuation of the storyline that no wheelchair user could really be happy. Could they?! Nevermind that his wheelchair gave him the freedom to get to class every day of his student life. I don't wish the young graduate any ill will. As a chair-user of 28 years, and someone who rolled across the stage to collect two college degrees, these stories just tweek me a bit. Thanks for entertaining my rant. Don c5-6 Tempe, AZ
From: Bob Vogel <[email protected]> To: Paul Jacobson <[email protected]> Cc: Quadius <[email protected]>; quad-list <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, May 22, 2011 9:57 AM Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Thought Provoking Hi again, Upon re-reading the article below, I see that Summers is already entertaining the idea of turning his story into a movie. Oh GREAT! Another sappy story of "A man facing his biggest challenge yet "To Walk" complete with all the Sommers quote, “You don’t see a lot of paralyzed people in the world because you’re ashamed or embarrassed,” Summers said. “I know I was. And this has given me back my confidence.” Bob V On May 22, 2011, at 8:58 AM, Paul Jacobson wrote: Hello, > >We have seen some progress in functionality in individuals with an Incomplete >SCI but this is the first >I have seen in improvement with someone with a Complete SCI. > >http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/ap/may/248041/Paralyzed-man-freely-moves-after-getting-implant?cid=rss > >Paul c5/6 complete >
