One of our readers in New York has been in touch to share his thoughts and experiences with people in the UK.
International poet, Robert M. Hensel was born with spina bifida – a disability that has not stopped him from achieving success in his life.
Robert is a key figure within the disability community, advocating for the treatment and rights of all individuals living with disabilities across the globe.
In 2000, realising the need to focus more on ‘one’s abilities and less on their disabilities,’ he sought to have a week designated that would bring to light the many talents and accomplishments being made by individuals with disabilities.
Due to his efforts, Oswego county passed a motion recognising 1-7 October as ‘Beyond Limitations’ week.
Robert has had more than 900 publications published worldwide. He was recently nominated for the Pushcart Prize, an award giving to Outstanding Poets & Writers.
Robert is also a Guinness & Ripley’s world record holder for the longest non stop fundraising wheelie in a wheelchair – covering a total distance of 6,178 miles, to raise money for wheelchair ramps throughout his community.
In Oct 2006, he was asked to carry the torch for the 2006 Asian Games.
Many of his accomplishments have found a permanent home within The Disability History Museum.
The museum in Buffalo, New York, is the only one of its kind, displaying the artifacts and accomplishments connected to notable disabled people of our time, such as Helen Keller and many others.
Robert offers the following ten quotes:
#1. I have a disability yes that’s true, but all that really means is I may have to take a slightly different path than you. – Robert M. Hensel
#2. It takes an open minded individual to look beyond a disability, and see, that ability has so much more to offer, than the limitations society tries to place upon them . – Robert M. Hensel
#3. I choose not to place “DIS, in my ability. – Robert M. Hensel
#4. My disability has opened my eye’s to see my true abilities. – Robert M. Hensel
#5. Having a disability shouldn’t strip away the person, but instead, create a life that’s uniquely tailored, to fit an individuals needs. – Robert M. Hensel
#6. Reach beyond your disability, and grab hold of the possibilities. – Robert M. Hensel
#7. No disability or dictionary out there, is capable of clearly defining who we are as a person. It’s only when we step out of that labelled box, that our abilities begin to be fully recognized, giving us a better definition of who we truly are as individuals. – Robert M. Hensel
#8. There is no greater disability in society, than the inability to see a person as more. – Robert M. Hensel
#9. Imagine a place where all disabilities are transparent, and abilities shine through. That place is Right Here, Right Now, and it starts with you. – Robert M. Hensel
#10. A disability is a challenge, only we have the ability to overcome. – Robert M. Hensel
The post Blog: Robert Hensel shares his thoughts on ‘life beyond limitations’ appeared first on U Can 2 Magazine.
