Disabilities Awareness

Most of you probably know somebody who has a physical or mental disability. Chances are that he or she functions pretty well in spite of it. A little limp isn't going to keep anyone from living a full life, and a person who is a bit hard of hearing probably will get along quite well with that disability.

But some people have sever disabilities. They might be legally blind, or completely deaf, or have to use a wheelchair to get around. But we should understand that they are people just like us, with the same needs, the same desires, and - except for the disability - the same capabilities we have. In other words, people with disabilities are more like you than they are different.

(If your troop will do a Good Turn for people with disabilities:) remember that when we do our Good Turn this month. When you meet a person with a disability, treat him or her exactly as you would want to be treated. The person might need a little help from you, but don't fuss over him. Do the minimum that's necessary to help, then back off and treat him as you would your other friends.

Those of us who are able-bodied have a lot to be thankful for. But that doesn't make us any better, or worse, than people with severe disabilities. We are all children of God.