(U.S. Department of State)
February 12, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC– [Excerpt provided by Inclusion Daily Express] Diversity is our strength, and everyone, including persons with disabilities, has important contributions to make.
That was one of the overarching messages at the 10th Special Olympics 2013 World Winter Games in South Korea this month, where athletes Tae Hemsath and Henry Meece — born in South Korea with developmental disabilities — returned to their birth country as Special Olympics athletes. Tae competed as a snowshoe racer, Henry as a snowboarder.
That same message resonated today throughout a public forum, where participants at Gallaudet University came to learn about opportunities in international exchange for persons with disabilities, and for members of the deaf community.
The audience was moved by the words and experiences of speakers, including U.S. Representative Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), a former Army helicopter pilot who lost her legs in Iraq; T. Alan Hurwitz, President of Gallaudet and recipient of the DeafNation Inspiration Award for Higher Education in 2012; and Dr. Christie L. Gilson, a Fulbright alumna who is the first blind member of the Fulbright Board.
Our message of disability inclusion is central to telling America’s story, because we believe that no story can be complete — and no challenges fully addressed — without everyone’s full involvement. Inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s the smart thing to do.
Entire article:
A Diverse and Socially Inclusive America Needs to Share Its Story
http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site/entry/inclusive_america_story
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