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DISABILITY AWARENESS MAGAZINE
‘Miracle Worker’ turns 50 | This Little Light of mine w w w. p i t ts b u rg h ca t h o l i c.o rg
Green Tree • Ohio Valley Hospital Beaver • Sewickley • Ellwood City
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Inside this issue: 6 | A defining experience:
13 | Cause for alarm
A deacon learns about ministry to disabled people.
Society is increasingly intolerant of physical imperfection.
8 | Parish advocates:
15 | A father speaks out:
9 | Spiritual impact:
16 | Jacob Brown:
10 | With a capital “P”:
17 | Bound for success:
A list of contacts in the diocese. An inclusive Mass draws the attention of parishioners. People with disabilities are people first.
He tells of his love for a special daughter. An artist who never lets his physical limitations hinder his creativity. Being deaf never stood in Johnny Sopczynski’s way.
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18 | Tips from a teacher:
Children with ASD can participate fully in the life of the church.
19 | The light of Christ:
A catechist accepts a unique challenge.
20 | The language of compassion:
Vol. 4, No. 7
Publisher | Bishop David A. Zubik General Manager | Robert P. Lockwood Editor | William Cone Operations Manager | Carmella Weismantle Disability Awareness Project Editor William Cone Associate Editors Phil Taylor (Special Projects) Chuck Moody (News)
God showers his gifts upon everyone.
Staff Writer | John W. Franko
22 | Landmark film:
Graphic Designers David Pagesh | Karen Hanlin
The 50th anniversary of “The Miracle Worker.”
24 | An amazing couple:
Dan and Cubby LaHood are making a tremendous difference in the lives of disabled children.
28 | Getting their kicks:
Despite being amputees, Haitian soccer players relish the game.
On the cover... URGH
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It is not enough merely to affirm the rights of people with disabilities. We must actively work to make them real in the fabric of modern society. Recognizing that individuals with disabilities have a claim to our respect because they are persons, because they share in the one redemption of Christ, and because they contribute to our society by their activity within it, the Church must become an advocate for and with them. It must work to increase the public’s sensitivity toward the needs of people with disabilities and support their rightful demand for justice. Moreover, individuals and organizations at every level within the Church should minister to persons with disabilities by serving their personal and social needs. Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities Cover design by Debbie Skatell-Wehner
Director of Advertising | John Connolly Account Executives Michael A. Check | Paul Crowe Brandon McCusker | Michael Wire Circulation Mgr./Parish News Coord. Peggy Zezza Administrative Assistant | Amanda Wahlen Office Assistant | Karen Hanlin
� Pittsburgh Catholic Family Life Magazine is a complimentary publication available at all 204 Catholic parishes in the Diocese of Pittsburgh from the Pittsburgh Catholic Publishing Associates, Inc. Paid first-class delivered subscriptions are available. Advertising: ads@pittsburghcatholic.org Editorial: editor@pittsburghcatholic.org
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Disability Awareness 2012
Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 5
The author makes a new friend.
Advocacy in the parish for people with disabilities By Deacon Fred Eckhardt No amount of prayer or planning could ever have prepared me for my summer experience of 2010. I first met the director of the Department for Persons with Disabilities, Lorie Uhlmann, in her office May 17 in the Diocesan Pastoral Center in Downtown Pittsburgh. “Oh, great!” I thought, “I’m going to have to pay to park in town every day.” Little did I know at the time that I’d never step foot in the office again for the rest of my diaconate formation summer experience. Lorie was gracious and welcoming. We started the meeting with a prayer. I wanted to impress on her that I was experienced and “on top” of all this, so I told her that I had a “handicapped” nephew and that he was “wheelchair-bound.” She listened to me go on and on about my depth of knowledge of the world of “the handicapped.” Lorie just smiled and nodded her head, letting me talk. It was an understanding smile.
6 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine
I’m sure she had encountered many individuals like me before, who meant well but were uninformed. I’m also sure that she was thinking she would need more than one summer to educate and train the likes of me. The terms “handicapped” or “wheelchairbound” had probably not been used in that office for the past 10 years. She had her hands full. For me, the rest of the summer was like a whirlwind. Lorie and Deacon Tim Killmeyer (who is also assigned to the department), allowed me to observe, participate and experience numerous aspects of the department’s many ministries and programs. I helped to serve a dinner at St. Justin Parish for people with hearing loss/deafness; participated at a disability awareness liturgy at St. Scholastica Parish; assisted at summer camps through St. Anthony School Programs at SS. Simon and Jude and St. Thomas More parishes; joined in as a sight guide for a tour of St. Paul Cathedral for people with vision loss/blindness; and participated in prayer experiences at McGuire Memorial Home
with residents who have a number of various needs. Soon within the experience, I stopped keeping track of my summer ministry hours and just allowed myself to be swept along, fueled by the great energy, love and passion of Lorie and Deacon Tim for the people they serve. Few summer experiences (few experiences of any kind) have touched my heart as did that time with all of the people and children I met through that department. I left with great love for all God’s people, including those I was so blessed to work with that summer, and respect for all those who dedicate their lives to working with people with disabilities. After ordination to the diaconate in June 2011, I was assigned to ministry at St. Bernard, which was my home parish in Mount Lebanon. In the process of my own awareness and learning, Lorie had helped me to understand that not all parishes are aware of the presence of people with disabilities and their needs. Oftentimes, people with disabilities are not seen at churches or parish events, so it is often
Disability Awareness 2012
felt that there are no particular needs within the faith community. However, in truth, people with disabilities may not be visible to others, or present in a worship community because the parish site is not accessible, or people with various needs do not feel welcome. It is easier to look the other way and ignore certain people with different abilities, rather than identify what the specific needs are, and work to adapt the parish physical plant to make it accessible and welcoming to all. It is true the process can be daunting, costly and even overwhelming at times. Yet the most important part of the process is enabling people — all people — to feel valued and welcomed in the faith community within God’s house. This may be an education for all in the parish. The members of the parish must, first of all, be made aware of the gifts and religious needs of their fellow parishioners with disabilities. Only then, with the blessing and support of the pastor, can the parish work on the issue of accessibility and accommodations for people with disabilities. Throughout this entire process there should be a team of advocates who serve as the eyes,
ears and voice for people with disabilities. Over time, the ultimate goal would be full inclusion so that parishioners with disabilities feel totally accepted as members of their community and participate fully in the life of the church. In my new assignment at St. Bernard, I knew that many parishes had advocates for people with disabilities, who were trained by the diocesan department, certified and serving in ministry for their worship communities. I assumed we already had some at St. Bernard. When I joined the staff there, the process had already begun to renovate the restrooms in the church hall to make them accessible. Little did I know, there were no advocates in place at the parish. Yet, St. Bernard’s was blessed to have a supportive pastor, Father David Bonnar. His passion, goal and vision for the parish is spiritual growth, and continuing to come together as a community, where all are welcome. So I asked Father Bonnar, “Do we have an advocate for persons with disabilities?” His response was, “Yes, we do! … YOU!” And so began the advocacy program at St. Bernard. Currently, we have a team of eight advocates. We received our training in the
spring through the Department for Persons with Disabilities, and we were commissioned by the parish in the summer. The advocates have met as a group and set some parish goals. We are working to include materials to make the religious education program accessible for all students. We are trying to make the church site more physically accessible for our elders and those with particular needs, and we are exploring how to make hearing devices available at Mass for those with hearing loss. The church building has been evaluated, and we received recommendations on how to offer more opportunities for people with mobility needs. (All of these things were done after just one formal meeting.) More than anything we look to Jesus as our example. He welcomed and accepted everyone. We are also inspired by Bishop David Zubik’s motto, “Nothing is impossible with God!” And so, as advocates, we continue on. We are driven by the zeal of our pastor to build community, and as a parish we will continue to work to enable St. Bernard to be a living example and community that welcomes all children, all people with open arms.
In 1900, William McKinley was President, forty percent of American families lived in poverty, malnutrition was common, one child in ten died before age one, and Andrew Carnegie was the wealthiest man in the world. This first-rate history traces America’s uneven progress in promoting the general welfare, what worked and what did not.
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Disability Awareness 2012
Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 7
Parish advocates for people with disabilities St. Alexis: Carol Haskins St. Alphonsus (Wexford): Cynthia Bechtold Assumption of the Blessed Virgin: Ryan Delaney St. Athanasius: Rosemarie Boehler, St. Joseph Sister Corinne Kirsch, William Palamara Ave Maria: Rebecca Brandl, Kristen Gordon St. Benedict the Moor: Damitra Penny, Margretta Stokes Tucker St. Bernard: Mary Ann Carvlin, Deacon Fred Eckhardt, Joseph Hufnagel, Margaret Hufnagel, Theresa Hufnagel, Deborah Jozwiak, Irene Petrarulo, Lauren Petrarulo St. Bernadette: Deacon Michael Kelly, Susan Riddlebaugh St. Catherine of Siena (Beechview): Timothy Hallahan, Helene McNemar, Mary Ann Mulkerin
St. Catherine of Sweden: Barbara Brinkley, Tess Druga St. Charles Lwanga: Eileen Stevenson St. Clare of Assisi: Barbara Antrom St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: Tess Keddie St. Ferdinand: Ellen Kiley St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen: Mark Lansinger St. Frances Cabrini: Catherine Vana St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin: Barbara Kralik Good Samaritan: Charles Smith, JoAnn Smith Good Shepherd: Jane Schuneman Holy Redeemer: Carmelia Fury Holy Trinity (Robinson Township): Deacon Tim Killmeyer St. Ignatius of Antioch: Debbie Danko
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8 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine
Immaculate Conception: Eleanor Field Incarnation of the Lord: Denise Colbert SS. John and Paul: Christine Conner, Jerry Conner St. John Capistran: Lynn Hogan St. John Neumann: Karen Compton, Cathy Gillis St. John the Baptist (Baden): Diane Barto St. John the Baptist (Unity): Martin Clancy, Robert Mineo, James Rogers, Judy Rogers St. Joseph (Cabot): Barbara Cornetti St. Juan Diego: Bea Aluise, Edith Solomon St. Kilian: Rebecca Brown St. Maria Goretti: Bernadette Studeny St. Mary of the Assumption (Glenshaw): Elaine Lascher, Sandy Ondriezek St. Mary of the Assumption (Herman): Lorraine Heagy, Elizabeth Spohn St. Mary of the Mount: Karen Coughlan, Joy Hogle Mary, Mother of Hope: Joan Bobek Most Holy Name of Jesus: Catherine Baysek St. Maurice: Dorothy Hudak North American Martyrs: Marilyn Colosmo, Yvonne Dimuzio Our Lady of Grace: Deacon Lawrence Sutton Our Lady of Joy: Donna Marcinik, Suzanne Teti Our Lady of Peace: Kathleen Smith Our Lady of Victory: Lori Reynolds-Tokarski St. Paul Cathedral: Linda Marino, Franciscan Sister Patricia Ann Mahoney St. Paul: Matilda Betres St. Peter (Pittsburgh’s North Side): Patricia Kammersell St. Peter (Slippery Rock): Sandra Crisafi SS. Peter and Paul: Judith Dacanay, Judith Pamer St. Raphael: Mercy Sister Jane Fadgen Resurrection (Pittsburgh’s Brookline neighborhood): Doris Anne Mercer St. Richard: Virginia Wieder Risen Lord: Mary Kushik, Agnes Sterbenac, Patricia Swetoha St. Scholastica: Ann Scanlon, Mary Catherine Scanlon St. Sebastian: Lois Loch SS. Simon and Jude: Carol McAninch St. Stephen: Carla Menosky, John Tague Jr. St. Teresa of Avila: Christopher McGoey, Victoria McGoey St. Therese of Lisieux: Jean Kocinski St. Thomas a Becket: Linda Michaels, Marina Pawlesh St. Thomas More: Mercedes Catanzaro, Susan DiPiero, Shari Hill, Madeline Kneier St. Ursula: Franciscan Sister Janice Campbell St. Vitus: Howard Davison St. Winifred: Deacon Joseph Kosko Jr. Word of God: Lisa Rajakovich, Joseph Rajakovich
Disability Awareness 2012
Blest are They of those affected by disabilities. From all of us involved in the lives of adults with disabilities — parents, teachers and caretakers alike — we would like to thank Father Walt and Father Mike, the signer, the choir, the volunteers, the parents and caretakers and especially the members of Blest are They and our diocese for this experience. We would also encourage all parishes in the diocese to hold a special Mass for persons with disabilities and to fully include those affected by disabilities in this special celebration of the Mass. We know from experience that these individuals will touch your heart forever. They are a great blessing to all of us. Thank you and God bless you!
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Aluise and Solomon are members of the Blest are They committee at St. Juan Diego Parish in Sharpsburg.
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Our little church, St. Juan Diego in Sharpsburg, was full to capacity July 14 as we celebrated a truly inspirational Mass for people with disabilities. Father Walt Rydzon, pastor of St. Justin Parish in Pittsburgh’s Mount Washington neighborhood and longtime chaplain to the Catholic Deaf Community, and our pastor, Father Michael Decewicz, coordinated efforts to enable individuals with varying degrees of disability to participate in this Mass to the fullest measure of their personal capabilities. The spiritual impact on us as we witnessed the beauty of these priests, the signing, the choir and the members of Blest are They as they took up the gifts, passed baskets for the collection and
assisted in the Mass, was a blessing many in the community will not soon forget. There was a holiness in this blessed evening that we are sure was inspired by the Holy Spirit — through these lovely priests. We were thrilled to see the participation of our adults with disabilities ‌ you could feel God’s presence. As a sister (Aluise) and mother (Solomon) to relatives with mental disabilities, we were proud of their participation. We can honestly say we are in awe of how much we have learned from them. God bless you, Dom and Anthony! As advocates, we have attended Masses for the disabled, but this was a very spiritual evening as Father Walt and Father Mike stood shoulder to shoulder to help us see what these amazing individuals can teach us if we don’t limit the full humanity
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By Bea Aluise and Edith Solomon
Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 9
People with a capital P By Lorie Uhlmann Since coming into this office I have consciously written the words “people” and “person” with a capital P in every article, document, statement, brochure and advertisement that my department has produced. No, I did not forget all the wonderful college preparatory grammar lessons that Sister Mary Aquiline taught me in fifth grade. (Rest her soul … Thanks to her great teaching, I got more A-pluses in high school and college projects than I can count!)
The reason I use a capital P is the same reason that Kathie Snow writes for www. disabilityisnatural.com. In a 2008 article she wrote titled “People First Language,” Kathie tried to clarify a number of “miss– understandings” by a majority of People in the world. First, that People with disabilities constitute the nation’s largest minority, which is one of the most diverse groups (close to one in four Americans has a disability). Second, and more importantly,
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Contact John Connolly @ 412.471.1253 10 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine
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People with disabilities are People — moms and dads, sons and daughters, employees and employers, friends and neighbors, students and teachers, grandparents, scientists, reporters, doctors, counselors, actors, presidents, priests, deacons, religious, altar servers, lectors, extraordinary ministers of holy Communion and more. People with disabilities are People first. We are all unique individuals, created in God’s holy image, who reflect the living, loving body of Christ in the world. Snow goes on to explain how a “disability descriptor” is simply a medical diagnosis. It does not define a Person’s value, potential or future. So often in this ministry, I have been overwhelmingly blessed by the wonder of countless People who have so many gifts to share, and lessons to teach me about life, the world and faith. In this Year of Faith, I can’t help but reflect on the special experiences in which I have come to know our loving God more deeply through the beauty of so many People who bring to light the intimate presence of Christ by who they are, and how they live. They are NOT the disabled — they are People showing the way to salvation. They are NOT handicapped — we, who present the barriers, are the challenge. They are NOT to be pitied — all words have the power to make a difference. We are all very different. If we get to the heart of the matter, every Person on this planet has different gifts and abilities. We learn differently, we move differently, we think differently, we live differently. That is the miracle of life that God gives to us. As we focus on respecting life, let us remember that People, ALL People deserve a capital P as they are the center of God’s great love and creation. As holy Scripture tells us, “God looked at everything he had made, and he found it VERY GOOD” (Genesis 1:31) Uhlmann is former director of the diocesan Department for Persons with Disabilities.
Disability Awareness 2012
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Disability Awareness 2012
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Diocese of Pittsburgh Secretariat for Parish Life
Office for Cultural Diversity and Persons with Disabilities
Awareness + Advocacy + Accessibility + Acceptance = INCLUSION “All of the baptized share in the dignity and responsibility of adopted sons and daughters of God the Father of all. There can be no separate church for persons of different races, colors, disabilities, or national origins. Indeed, the vitality of the Church can truly be measured by how we treat those whom society has often placed on the margins. Yet, sadly, we know that even in our Church there are times when race, color, ability or national origin denied people equal access to a place at the table. The Diocese of Pittsburgh has worked for many years to ensure that we recognize all as brothers and sisters, that all are welcomed as persons of dignity and talent, that all are included fully in the life of the Church.� Most Rev. David A. Zubik, DD October 5, 2012
OFFICE FOR CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Secretariat for Parish Life
Diocese of Pittsburgh 111 Boulevard of Allies | Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412-456-3170 (Voice) | 412-456-3122 (TTY) 12 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine
Disability Awareness 2012
Protecting the most vulnerable moral life that is infused with love. Love gives meaning to life. In the love of Christ manifested by his death on the cross, we encounter the concrete expression of the love of God, his power and his provident care. Through love, we join our suffering with Christ’s suffering on the cross, we discern God’s plan for each of us, and we experience the hope and joy of the Resurrection. Most of us will never experience the fear and uncertainty that accompanies the prenatal diagnosis of a disability. All of us, however, are called to affirm the dignity of each and every life, to love and support those who are experiencing
a difficult pregnancy, and to open our hearts to these precious children. In this election cycle, let’s use our freedom wisely to protect those who are most vulnerable. As Archbishop Chaput reminded us, “every child with Down syndrome, every adult with special needs; in fact, every unwanted unborn child, every person who is poor, weak, abandoned or homeless — each one of these persons is an icon of God’s face and a vessel of his love.”
Farnan, a member of St. Thomas More Parish in Bethel Park, has taught at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., and in the Diocese of Harrisburg’s Diocesan Institute for Cathechetical and Pastoral Formation.
By Dr. Theresa Farnan
In his recent article, “Disability: A Thread for Weaving Joy” (www. thepublicdiscourse.com/2012/01/4575), Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia warns of our culture’s attempt to eliminate disabilities through prenatal testing and abortion. Currently, more than 90 percent of babies diagnosed prenatally with Down syndrome are aborted. Newly proposed Health and Human Services regulations would extend free prenatal testing to all expectant mothers to identify every baby with Down syndrome early enough to allow for first-trimester abortions. We face the very real possibility that an entire class of people will vanish, the victims of eugenic abortion. There is enormous pressure on parents who are expecting a child with a disability to abort the baby. Our society is increasingly intolerant of physical imperfection and perceived suffering, seeking to eliminate them by any means possible. In addition, parents expecting a child with a disability are often overwhelmed with negative information. This leads to fears about their child’s health and future, as well as their own ability to be a good parent to their baby. In the “Summa Theologiae,” St. Thomas Aquinas noted that fear, although a normal human emotion, should never be the basis for moral decisions. Instead, Christians are called to a
Disability Awareness 2012
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Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 13
14 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine
Disability Awareness 2012
Thank heaven for little girls By Dr. Joseph Merhaut Early morning on Oct. 9, 1994, our family was changed forever. Following the premature birth of our second daughter, Molly, we prayed continuously for her survival. Being that Molly weighed only 1 pound, 6 ounces, her chance of survival at that time was about 50 percent. The neonatologists at Allegheny General Hospital were cautiously optimistic regarding her survival, but they explained to us that, if Molly survived, her chances of having physical and mental challenges were at high risk. Being awake all night at my wife Rhonda’s bedside, plus checking on Molly every 20 minutes or so in the neonatal intensive care unit, I was perplexed and anguishing over how we would manage going back and forth to the hospital to visit Molly, work full time, raise a 14-month-old daughter and complete a master’s degree program, for which I was enrolled. I felt the weight of the world coming down on me. With all of the pressure building, I decided to go to Mass at the hospital chapel. While sitting at Mass, I remember crying, yet praying desperately to God, asking him for strength. Suddenly, a feeling of calm came over me, as though a comforting hand lay on my shoulder, giving me the message that everything would be OK. Keeping my faith in God, and knowing that everything was going to be all right, kept me going. This is a story that I’ve never told, but people need to know that it is OK to be worried and concerned about the trials of life. As long as they keep their faith in God, everything will work out. At about age 3, Molly was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy. People with this type of cerebral palsy are truly dependent on others to do everyday life skills, such as bathing, going to the bathroom and eating. Although Molly is quite physically involved and dependent on us, she communicates very well, has an amazing personality, a smile that lights up a room and an incredible attitude. Molly will be 18 years old this year. She is entering her junior year in high school, and she attends a special life skills program for students with severe multiple disabilities. Molly loves going to school, attending summer camp for people with special needs and hanging out with her friend, Miranda, as well as her two loving sisters, Madison and Myah. Having Molly has been an incredible blessing for our family. My other daughters have learned so many skills for working with people with disabilities. In fact, my oldest, Madison, is beginning her
Disability Awareness 2012
sophomore year at Slippery Rock University, majoring in early child and special education, with a minor in adapted physical activity. All of our friends and extended family members treat Molly just like any other 18-year-old. In all of their eyes, Molly is no different from anyone else. I would not be truthful if I said that raising a child with special needs is easy. Over the years, we have had many obstacles to overcome, one of which has been Molly’s academic program. It has been a challenge to develop and modify her program to make it fit her individual needs. Although state and federal laws protect people with disabilities in education, it is still difficult to develop the most appropriate program that will give her the best benefit and success.
As we reflect on these 18 years of her precious life, Molly’s wish is that all people with or without disabilities would treat everyone the same. Her special gifts from God are her sensitive nature and glowing personality, which she so openly shares with everyone. As her dad, my wish is to share a fact and an important point to remember regarding people with disabilities: • People with disabilities are our largest minority group, most inclusive of all ages, genders, religions, ethnicities and socioeconomic levels. • The world needs to recognize that all people with disabilities have skills and talents, just as people without disabilities; live by the golden rule: Treat all others as you wish to be treated. God will provide the rest. Merhaut, a member of St. Richard Parish in Richland Township, is associate professor and chairman of the Special Education Department at Slippery Rock University.
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Emerging artist Jacob Brown featured in Smithsonian exhibit By Becky and Jeff Brown
For our son, 20-year-old Jacob Brown of Mars, the creative act gives purpose to life. Though his spastic cerebral palsy puts many limitations on his mobility and fine motor skills, it also forms his visual language and his artistic process. “I sustain myself through the creation of art,” said Jacob, a member of St. Kilian Parish. “Growing up as the youngest in a creative family, I was always surrounded by the production of art. To create my own art, I use found materials from my father’s garage and my brother’s art studio.” Jacob never lets his physical limitations get in the way of his creativity or his sense of adventure. An Eagle Scout and an avid adaptive skier, he also rows competitively with the Three Rivers Rowing Association adaptive team. Currently, Jacob attends the St. Anthony Post-Secondary Program at Duquesne University, where he is an active member of the Best Buddies chapter. For years, Jacob’s artwork has been featured in local exhibitions and garnered prizes. Recently, his painting “Copper 2” was selected by the Department of VSA and Accessibility at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for “Sustaining/Creating,” an exhibition
of artwork by emerging artists with disabilities. Jacob was one of 15 finalists selected from across the country, and he received an Award of Excellence for his painting. “It is through creating art that I give purpose to found materials and to myself,” Jacob said. “Art sustains me.” The exhibition “Sustaining/Creating” will be on display at the Smithsonian Institution’s S. Dillon Ripley Center through Jan. 13, 2013. The show is sponsored by the Department of VSA and Accessibility at the John F. Kennedy
16 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine
Center for the Performing Arts with generous support from the Volkswagen Group of America. VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, was founded more than 35 years ago by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to provide arts and education opportunities for people with disabilities and increase access to the arts for all. View more of Jacob’s artwork at www.jacobbrownart. tumblr.com. Exhibit information is posted on the Kennedy Center website: www.kennedy-center.org/education/vsa/ programs/sustaining_creating.cfm Becky Brown is a parish advocate for persons with disabilities at St. Kilian Parish, and Jeff Brown is a St. Anthony School Programs board member.
Disability Awareness 2012
DePaul School students headed for success in higher education By Nuelsi M. Canaan and Lillian Rountree Lippencott
fly on his own.” Johnny set his sights on attending Penn State University, pursuing a degree in engineering. He decided not to mention being deaf in any part of his college application. In fact, he didn’t disclose his deafness to the school until he filled out required enrollment forms.
honors student, Youngs said, “his reading comprehension and written expression skills are excellent, and his work is Johnny Sopczynski smiled broadly as carefully wrought. That no one had to he walked across the stage wearing his accommodate for him is a tribute to his royal blue cap and gown. Below him, at ability to function in a hearing-speaking the South Park High School gymnasium, world.” 185 of his classmates looked on as he Matthew was recruited aggressively received his high school diploma and was by several prestigious recognized as a member colleges to whom, like of the National Honor Johnny, Matthew did Society. not inform that he is Like his classmates, deaf. This year, Matthew Johnny faced the typical graduated with honors challenges of high school. from Bethel Park High However, Johnny faced and joined the freshman one additional hurdle — class at Allegheny College, he was born profoundly ranked among the top deaf. He uses a cochlear 100 liberal arts schools in implant to access sound the nation. and attended DePaul He attended DePaul School for Hearing and School, where he learned Speech as a young child, to listen and speak where he learned to listen without using sign and speak without using language. Matthew uses sign language. a cochlear implant and a “I learned how to listen hearing aid. When asked and speak (at DePaul), Johnny Sopczynski poses with his sisters before his graduation from South Park High School. about his time at DePaul, making the most of my he said, “I learned how cochlear implant,” said Of his deafness, he said, “I try not to important working hard in the classroom Johnny, a member of St. Francis of Assisi let it affect my life. I do not let it stand in was, and I learned how to lead and be a Parish in Finleyville and a graduate of St. my way. I feel I can achieve anything if I part of a team.” Joan of Arc School in South Park. put my mind to it, and that thought has According to the Gallaudet Research “Thanks to DePaul, I was able to nothing to do with being deaf.” Institute, only 40 percent of deaf students maintain a normal high school schedule, For Matthew McMillan, arriving read at or above the eighth-grade level by develop relationships with my friends and for freshman orientation at Allegheny the time they reach college. Yet Johnny classmates, and play sports. I was able to College was like a dream come true. and Matthew graduated from high school clearly communicate with my teachers, When he was first diagnosed with severe with high honors and are pursuing college friends, peers, coaches and teammates.” to profound hearing loss, his parents degrees at prestigious institutions. An accomplished student and athlete, could not have imagined where he would Both credit a lot of their success to Johnny was on the high honor roll every be today. His father, Frank, remembers the Listening and Spoken Language semester last year and was selected as a wondering how Matthew’s deafness education they received at DePaul. WTAE Student Athlete of the Week. He would affect his life; would he ever attend Matthew said, “(DePaul) pushed me also was very involved with the Interact a regular school and go to college? to excel in and out of the classroom and Club (a service organization), where he Yet throughout life, each time Frank (this) has really helped me to achieve my served on the board for two years. goals of attending college and eventually “Johnny is not just out for himself — in imagined that Matthew had reached a plateau, Matthew exceeded his dad’s starting a career.” my eyes he’s a leader of his generation, expectations. At Bethel Park High School, he always gives back,” said Dr. Patricia Canaan is marketing manager and Lippencott is Matthew’s English 12 honors class Smith, South Park High’s principal. director of outreach and development at DePaul School for Hearing and Speech in Pittsburgh’s Shadyside “Johnny has a supportive family that gave teacher, Charles Youngs, agrees. Of Matthew’s performance as an neighborhood. him a good base. But believe me, he can
Disability Awareness 2012
Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 17
The Year of Faith...
For children with autism spectrum disorder
By Rebecca Moyes If you are a teacher, chances are fairly high that one of your students will be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. One out of every 88 students is. And if you are a catechist teaching religious education classes, children with ASD will most likely be part of your group. They will need understanding, supportive staff members to guide their religious formation. Because of the complexities of their disorder, it is most helpful for those who are working with these kids to remember that the children are there, just as all the others are, so they can participate fully in the sacraments and the life of the church, becoming more closely connected with their Catholic faith and the Lord. As such, it is important that religious education staff not get too caught up in lesson plans, curriculum and particular ways assignments need to be completed, and embrace the art of flexibility. Here are some basic tips for working with children who have autism spectrum disorder: Structure is important: Students with autism, as a general rule, often have problem behaviors if there is too much “wait” time or down time. Religious education classes need to be structured to avoid that. From the time they arrive until the time they leave, plan your class carefully to avoid down time. Make sure your activity is sensoryfriendly: Students with autism may have overly sensitive sensory systems. Too much noise, messy activities, intrusive peers and overly pronounced smells may overload their sensory channels. On the flip side, you may also have children who seem to crave sensory input. Be flexible if they want to stand or even pace in your classroom. Be aware of social-skill needs: Kids with autism may be literal, blunt and exhibit socially inappropriate behavior. It’s not something they are doing to be rude; it’s part of their deficit. Gently coach them to use appropriate social skills, but try not to be punitive. Use their social blunders as teachable moments. Kids with autism may exhibit unique behaviors: Many kids with ASD engage in self-stimulatory behavior (flapping,
18 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine
A child with autism smiles as she enters a church to receive her first Communion. spinning, rocking). They may do this more when they are stressed. Realize that this behavior may also be a way to help them cope. If it’s not bothering the other kids, it’s best to let it go. Kids with ASD have language challenges: Some children may not be able to process language well. Others have good language, but they tend to focus too much on various topics (sweepers, trains, fans). Many are very literal with their understanding of language. Realize that this, too, is part of their disability. Practice using short, concise language. Avoid idioms and figures of speech. Accompany your language with pictures. Because language impairment is so prevalent, most children with ASD are visual learners. Avoid transitions: Many children with ASD have difficulty with stopping one task and beginning another. Or they may have difficulty moving from one room to another. Give visual cues several minutes before a transition is about to occur. Don’t get hung up on eye contact: You may be surprised to see that he/she may not appear to be paying attention or looking at you but can tell you the answer when you ask. In this case, eye contact also has nothing to do with honesty. Kids with ASD often have difficulty with multi-tasking. If
you make them look at you, they may not be able to process what you are saying. Be gentle with eye contact requests. Kids with autism are unique gifts from God. You may find yourself learning many new things from these youngsters that you never expected to encounter when you volunteered to teach religious education classes. But if you really take the time to get to know your student, and you are patient and flexible, you will very often see that his/her uniqueness is exactly what you will treasure later and realize as a blessing in your own life. Remember, the goal is to help the children learn about their Catholic faith and accommodate their participation in the sacraments as true members of the body of Christ. This happens in God’s new and creative ways … whatever ways work for them. Moyes is the author of five books, the most recent being “Building Sensory Friendly Classrooms” and “Visual Techniques for Developing Social Skills,” available at www. rebeccamoyes.com. She is a member of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Lower Burrell, Diocese of Greensburg, and the proud mother of Chuckie and Kiersten.
Disability Awareness 2012
‘This Little Light of Mine!’ By Joanne Swank
As catechetical administrators, we have many opportunities to see the light of Christ burning brightly in many special people who enter our lives and ministries. For me, that light shines brightly in Robert Henry Schafers Jr., whom I met nearly two years ago. Bob Schafers is an adult with an intellectual disability and is quite involved physically. He was baptized as an infant but had never been formally catechized to receive the sacraments that would fully initiate him into the Catholic faith. At an individual support plan meeting in November 2010, his father expressed regret that Bob had never received holy Communion, nor confirmation. The elder Mr. Schafers hoped that this would happen for his son before he died. Todd Pontius, manager of the training and outsourcing center for Citizen Care, called Father Michael Maranowski, pastor of St. Malachy in Kennedy Township, and told him of Mr. Schafers’ hope. In December, I met with Bob and Todd and worked on a plan for preparing Bob for his first holy Communion and confirmation. Our weekly classes began in January. Using the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Program and other curriculum, we began our journey of faith. Bob was the most enthusiastic and joy-filled candidate I have ever met. He would bring his backpack containing his books every Thursday to our class, and he would take his backpack to work at Citizen Care every day. When he wasn’t packaging, assembling and mailing items for shipment, he was reviewing what he had learned in religion class. Todd worked diligently with Bob during the week, and on Thursday when they arrived at St. Malachy, Bob was excited to start on our next lesson. He would share what he had learned with his co-workers and the residents of his group home. I kept Father Mike abreast of Bob’s progress and suggested that Bob receive his first holy Communion and confirmation during the Easter season. Father Mike requested and received special permission to confirm Bob. Bob bought new clothes because he wanted to look special for Jesus, and he did! He grew up in a home where his siblings had received the sacraments at the appropriate age. Now he, too, would come to the Lord’s table for spiritual nourishment and be strengthened with the gifts of the Holy Spirit in confirmation. After discussion with Father Mike and Bob’s family, it was decided that Bob would be fully initiated on Easter Tuesday, April 26, 2011. He chose Joseph as his confirmation name, and his sister, Debbie, was his sponsor. Bob loves religious music, and so we carefully chose the songs for the liturgy. Family, co-workers, staff of Citizen Care and catechists gathered for the Mass.
Disability Awareness 2012
When Father Mike brought Jesus in the Eucharist to Bob, his “Amen” was loud and strong and convincing. There were tears of joy in everyone’s eyes. This was a moment of grace not only for Bob but for all of us. Bob’s father passed away a little less than six months after Bob received the sacraments. His wish was fulfilled. Bob continues to attend Mass with his mom, and he has told me that he knows that his dad is with Jesus — the two of them watching over him and his family. He likes to play his religious music loudly at the group home (and is told on occasion to turn it down). He has a special place for his picture of “Father” Mary (Our Lady of Fatima, which he holds close to his heart) on his dresser. Bob is a blessing. I give thanks to God for giving me this beautiful friend in faith. Everyone can proclaim Christ. Bob does indeed. Swank is catechetical administrator and a lifelong member of St. Malachy Parish in Kennedy Township.
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Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 19
Learning the ‘language’ of compassion By Rich McGann
“What a wonderful view, I vision, as I sit, On a bench, On this beautiful, 4 seasons day.” — Poem by Jaimi Lard, deaf-blind woman from Boston
20 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine
Once there was a young man named John. John enjoyed walking on the street, seeing the scenery of a lovely day. He was surrounded by music from neighborhood radios, but he did not hear them. John noticed a man standing on a street corner. He saw people shouting at the man; the man did nothing — no response. People glared at him, shook their heads and walked away. John wondered why people had ill feelings against the man. As John approached him, he noticed a white cane — the universal symbol for those who are blind. John made some noise, but the man did not turn toward him. Then John noticed the man held an index card and on
the card in black, bold letters it said “I am deaf and blind. I need assistance to cross the street.” John tapped on the man’s hand; he smiled and took John’s elbow. They crossed the street together. When John turned to him, the man put his flat palm on his lips moving forward from his lips to say “thanks.” Placing his right hand under the man’s left palm, John fingerspelled. The man smiled and signed back, “Are you deaf?” John signed, “Yes.” The man signed, “I am Mark.” A new friendship began. Over the years, John visited Mark and was happy to do some things to help him. John offered to run errands, sign language Mark’s mail into his palms, check on the household appearance, do some light yard work, etc. Once a week John took Mark shopping or to the post office. Sometimes they walked Mark’s dog. Other times John guided Mark to see his doctor. John went to see his eye doctor for a checkup. The doctor diagnosed him with visual problems and explained that he would lose his vision very slowly. John was stunned and went home. He sat down to go through his thoughts. John decided to go over to see Mark and share the news about his diagnosis. Mark, too, was sad. Mark encouraged John to stay positive. Mark was willing to teach him Braille and how to cope by using special ways — vibrations, air changes and smells. John learned a lot as he practiced with his eyes closed as he gained his new skills. After a few years, John found a lovely woman and they married. He shared his dual disabilities with his new wife, who was eager to learn and made a commitment to be both John’s eyes and ears. She drove their car, guided him around and relayed many things like television shows, movies, conversations, and special occasions with his family and friends. John appreciated his wife, and they spent many happy years of marriage together. Suddenly John’s wife became ill and could no longer provide help. He supported her during the crisis, which finally took her life. Many people who came out to the funeral saw John alone now. They knew John’s wife and had seen how John had helped Mark. They pitied him, but did not come to help him and share with him their hearts. They ignored him and did not know how to give a commitment to him of friendship.
Disability Awareness 2012
John then lived through his years not knowing what the world was all about. He would go to the park and sit on a bench. There were many things happening in front of him, but he never knew what was going on. Car horns honking, people waving to say “hi,” a baseball sailing over his head and a little boy running after it. He imagined that there were a couple of lovebirds walking
S I hand in hand past him. He missed a dog chasing a cat across the street. Once a woman asked him for directions but, receiving no response from John, gave him a dirty look and walked away. A bird hopped on the side of a bench and sang,
wishing that John would spread seeds from his pocket. John never knew these things. The seeds stayed in his pocket. He never knew of anything that was present in front of him until a guy noticed John sitting alone on the bench. He tapped John on his shoulder. John put his hand up and waited. The man placed his hand under John’s and fingerspelled. John’s
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communication, such as sign language. His ways are given to us to use and encourage us to do his works. May God bless you to use your talents and learn new ones, too. There are 6 billion people in the world and more than 120 languages. It is too overwhelming to know them all. What is the most universal of human languages? Body language! Do something with body language:
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face brightened. He introduced himself as Matthew. Time passed and Matthew introduced another signing friend as Luke. God created the world. God has showered his special gifts upon everyone. He tests our hearts. He has given us special
Kneel down and fold your hands. God listens to us through our heart prayers. McGann, a member of St. Justin Parish in Pittsburgh’s Mount Washington neighborhood, is an active member of the Catholic Deaf Community and an activist for people who are deaf and blind.
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Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 21
‘The Miracle Worker’ still powerful 50 years later By Kurt Jensen Catholic News Service NEW YORK — This year a number of significant Hollywood movies reach their 50th anniversary milestone, not the least of which is “The Miracle Worker.” It recounts the true story of disabilities pioneer Helen Keller. Though left deaf and blind by an illness she suffered in infancy, at age 7 Keller learned to communicate through the devoted work of her teacher, Annie Sullivan. With a screenplay by William Gibson, who wrote the hit Broadway play of 1959, and directed by Arthur Penn, who also helmed the stage version, “The Miracle Worker” was filmed in what’s sometimes called “glorious black and white.” It has been available on
DVD since 2001. The drama’s original impact, nonetheless, is still fresh. Born in 1880 and an inspirational speaker from her 20s, Keller was an advocate for unions and spoke against the use of child labor. But she also was a member of the Socialist Party who supported birth control. Nor did she adhere to any mainstream Christian denomination. Instead, she was a follower of the 18th-century Swedish mystic Emanuel Swedenborg, who taught, among other things, that the second coming of Christ took place in 1757. In 1927, Keller even published a book about her faith, “My Religion.” Her beliefs might best be described as eclectic. Keller’s left-of-center views were far less
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Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke in a scene from the 1962 landmark film. prominent in the years following World War II, when the influx of blinded veterans made her a beloved spokeswoman for the physically challenged. Gibson’s long-running play, which began as a live TV presentation in 1957, dramatized a single epoch in Keller’s long chronology, focusing on the changes that came about once Sullivan, a graduate of the Perkins Institute for the Blind in Boston, arrived at Keller’s home in Alabama. Keller had been left sightless and deprived of her hearing by an ailment that may have been either meningitis or scarlet fever — both treatable by antibiotics decades later. The film doesn’t flinch from the horror of this. Keller never has been played by a 7-yearold actress. In “The Miracle Worker,” she’s portrayed by Patty Duke, who was 15 at the time of filming, and had played Keller to great acclaim on Broadway, along with Anne Bancroft as Sullivan. (Like Duke, Bancroft reprised her role for the movie.) The physical struggles between the two are spellbinding. Keller, imprisoned by her afflictions and with her family unable to handle her outbursts, was essentially feral, and faced the possibility of being sent to an asylum for “mental defectives.” Teaching always has conveyed particularly well on film. Sullivan, in the manner of all great instructors, pushes ahead with both Helen and her compassionate, if confused, family. Her famous line (often misquoted) is, “It’s my idea of original sin — giving up!” The climactic moment in which Keller finally makes the connection to language through the impact of water flowing from a pump is today commemorated by a statue in Keller’s hometown of Tuscumbia, Ala. Keller received the National Medal of Freedom in 1964 and her funeral in 1968 was held at the National Cathedral in Washington. Jensen reviews films for Catholic News Service.
22 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine
Disability Awareness 2012
Disability Awareness 2012 2012 Guide to Senior Services
Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine Pittsburgh Catholic 23 5
Death of newborn son turns a job into a ministry for Catholic couple By Nancy Frazier O’Brien Catholic News Service
SILVER SPRING, Md. — It started out as just a job. But in the 29 years since Dan and Cubby LaHood started St. Joseph’s House to provide day care and respite care for children with disabilities, it has become their life’s work, a ministry that pays tribute to their son Francis, who was born with multiple birth defects and lived only a few minutes. Back in 1983, Cubby LaHood, a special education teacher, was looking for a job she could do at home when she was pregnant with her first child. A friend with a disabled child called to ask if she could look after her son for a weekend. Before she knew it, Cubby was taking care of seven babies with severe disabilities, in addition to her own son Joe. “When somebody heard there was someone out there willing to care for disabled children in a respite setting, the phone rang and it rang and rang and rang and rang,” said Dan LaHood. “And the more we got to know the people, the more we saw the need.” Today, the LaHoods care for as many as eight children every weekday in their modest home in a Maryland suburb of Washington. Once or twice a month, they also provide respite care on the weekends. The work involves the entire LaHood family, although Joe, a graduate of Providence College, recently moved to New York, where he teaches at a Catholic school in Harlem. Daughter Mary Frances attends the Academy of the Holy Cross in Kensington, while youngest son John is at St. John the Evangelist School near the house. But Francis, who died in 1988, has a presence at the home too. He is the reason that what was once merely “social work” became an apostolate, leading the LaHoods to take vows as members of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta’s Lay Missionaries of Charity. “It became real to us through the short life and death of our son, who had he lived would be handicapped much like ...,” said Dan LaHood, gesturing to the children in wheelchairs around him. “We lived their experience, we lived their sorrow, and we came to know ourselves and
24 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine
them better as a result,” he added. After Francis died, Dan left his job in the health care industry and joined Cubby in her work. With the help of volunteers and sometimes a parent or two, they have taken the children to the pool, to plays, to the mall and to sock hops, and have thrown pizza parties and led bingo games at home. On one particularly chaotic November morning, the children were getting ready to go to St. John the Evangelist for its annual walkathon to benefit St. Joseph’s House. The St. Joseph’s and St. John’s children walk together around the school — or run or skip or are pushed in a wheelchair — chattering to one another as they go. The major advantage isn’t in the money raised, however; it’s in the bonds that have formed over the years between the children at St. John’s and those who come to St. Joseph’s House. Alessandra Barone, now a sophomore at Academy of the Holy Cross, first started volunteering at St. Joseph’s House when she was in seventh grade at St. John’s. “At first I was nervous; I didn’t know what to expect,” she said. But now “I love the kids who come. They’re so upbeat, so funny,” she added. “They always make my day no matter what.” St. Joseph’s House gets no money from the government or the Archdiocese of Washington and doesn’t charge the families of the children they care for. It relies instead on donations and grants generated by the board of directors that guides the nonprofit organization. Almost all of the children come from singleparent families or families that have more than one disabled child. “I feel so lucky to have found Cubby and Dan,” said Rosemarie Mahmood, who had been “looking for months and months” for a suitable place for her daughter
Amanda, who has Down syndrome. At St. Joseph’s House, Amanda is “cared for the way I would care for her at home,” Mahmood said. “She’s treated with respect and dignity, just like anyone else.” The second of three daughters, Amanda is “used to doing things” and likes the variety of activities at St. Joseph’s, her mother said. “She’s made new friends, and it’s broadened her horizons.” Amanda will graduate from the program next year when she turns 21 and her mother hopes she will be able to find work through a local community agency that employs people with developmental disabilities. St. Joseph’s House has openings very infrequently, when a child graduates or dies. A garden outside the home memorializes those who have died, and even those who have graduated return from time to time, like 37-year-old Andrew Flaherty, who has Down syndrome and is now working but came back for the walkathon and for lunch afterward. Asked how his life at St. Joseph’s House has changed him, Dan LaHood talks about improving his faith life and becoming more kind and patient. “I’ve learned when you love someone you see them with new eyes — not secular eyes but the eyes of service,” he said. “And it really does make you happy,” LaHood added. “Maybe that’s the biggest change. I’m happy now in a way I never could have imagined.”
Disability Awareness 2012
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Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 25
Way disabled treated shows belief about human dignity, says archbishop By Julie Asher Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — Every child and adult with special needs, every unwanted unborn child and every person who is “poor, weak, abandoned or homeless” is “an icon of God’s face and a vessel of his love,” said Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput. “How we treat these persons — whether we revere them and welcome them, or throw them away in distaste — shows what we really believe about human dignity, both as individuals and as a nation,” he said in a January keynote address at a pro-life conference in Washington. He was the keynote speaker at the 13th annual Cardinal O’Connor Conference on Life at Georgetown University. It is named for the late Cardinal John O’Connor, archbishop of New York from 1984 to 2000. The student-run conference drew more than 700 young people and adults. The agenda included sessions on topics such as the international abortion situation; media and the pro-life movement; abortion and natural law; adoption’s role in the pro-life movement; and ethical controversies in evolving medical technologies. The day ended with a discussion on pro-life legislation with members of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus. In his keynote, Archbishop Chaput talked about “the kind of people we’re becoming and what we can do about it,” illustrating his theme by outlining the current situation facing unborn babies shown by genetic testing to have Down syndrome. He said he has friends who have children with disabilities, in particular Down syndrome. He noted that about 5,000 children with the genetic disorder are born in the U.S. each year, and currently there are about 400,000 people in the country with Down syndrome. But that population “may soon dwindle,” he said. “And the reason why it may decline illustrates, in a vivid way, a struggle with the American soul. That struggle will shape the character of our society in the decades to come.” Prenatal testing today can detect 95
26 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine
Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput smiles during a press conference Aug. 21 after signing an agreement with H. Edward Hanway, left, and the Faith in the Future Foundation percent of the pregnancies that have a strong risk the child will be born with Down syndrome, he said. Studies show more than 80 percent of unborn babies diagnosed with it are aborted “because of a flaw in one of their chromosomes -- a flaw that’s neither fatal nor contagious, but merely undesirable.” “I’m not suggesting that doctors hold back vital information from parents. Nor should they paint an implausibly upbeat picture of life with a child who has a disability,” Archbishop Chaput said. But he suggested expectant parents hear from parents who already have special-needs children, not just from doctors and genetic counselors. “They deserve to know that a child with Down syndrome can love, laugh, learn, work, feel hope and excitement, make friends and create joy for others,” he said. Raising such a child, he acknowledged, “can be demanding. It always involves some degree of suffering,” as his friends have experienced.
“The real choice in accepting or rejecting a child with special needs is never between some imaginary perfection or imperfection. ... The real choice in accepting or rejecting a child with special needs is between love and unlove; between courage and cowardice; between trust and fear,” Archbishop Chaput said. That also is the choice society faces “in deciding which human lives we will treat as valuable, and which we will not,” he said. “Abortion kills a child; it wounds a precious part of a woman’s own dignity and identity; and it steals hope. That’s why it’s wrong. That’s why it needs to end. That’s why we march.” Quoting Jesuit Father John Courtney Murray, he said, “Anyone who really believes in God must set God, and the truth of God, above all other considerations.” So “Catholic public officials who take God seriously cannot support laws that attack human dignity without lying to themselves, misleading others and abusing the faith of their fellow Catholics,” Archbishop Chaput said. “Catholic doctors who take God seriously cannot do procedures, prescribe drugs or support health policies that attack the sanctity of unborn children or the elderly; or that undermine the dignity of human sexuality and the family,” he continued. “Catholic citizens who take God seriously cannot claim to love their church, and then ignore her counsel on vital public issues that shape our nation’s life.” As a nation, he said, the United States depends “on a moral people shaped by their religious faith.” With faith “animating its people and informing its public life, America becomes something alien and hostile to the very ideals it was founded on,” he added. Archbishop Chaput warned Catholics “to wake up from the illusion that the America we now live in ... is somehow friendly to our faith.” “Changing the course of American culture seems like such a huge task,” he said. “But St. Paul felt exactly the same way. Redeeming and converting a civilization has already been done once. It can be done again. But we need to understand that God is calling you and me to do it.”
Disability Awareness 2012
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Disability Awareness 2012
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Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 27
Haitian soccer players get their kicks despite being amputees By Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Even though it was just practice, Chery Sequel shot the ball, got down on his knee, pointed a finger and shouted “Scooooooooore!” His excitement was contagious. Later, he led a chest bump with teammates who combined for another goal. Sequel had another reason to be happy as well. He was on a soccer field playing the game he loved despite having lost his right leg an automobile accident in 1992. The 39-year-old Sequel is among a slowly growing contingent of Haitian soccer players who have had an arm or leg amputated because of an accident or an injury during the country’s 2010 earthquake. Currently, 24 men are part of a team of amputees who joined together to prove that they can be athletes and contributing members of society. That’s a difficult task in a country where the amputees are rarely accepted. At practice in March 2011 at a field nearly under the flight path of nearby Toussaint Louverture International Airport, about a dozen team members participated in rigorous agility drills, reviewed positioning techniques and scrimmaged. Almost all have lost a leg. Goalkeeper Francois St-Julien had part of his left arm amputated after being injured in the earthquake.
28 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine
The players dribbled and passed well and hustled to chase loose balls. Most team members glided across the field with the aid of crutches, using them for support when they shot or passed the ball. The crutches were considered extensions of their arms, and any attempt to block or pass the ball with them was not allowed. The team meets three times a week to practice. On most days not all team members are able to practice because they must report to work, said head coach Cedieu Fortilus. Fortilus, 35, also is a technician at the Ossur International Prosthetic and Orthotics Laboratory at Bernard Mevs Hospital in Portau-Prince. There he assembles prosthetic devices for amputees under the University of Miami’s Project Medishare. The project is also funded by the Knight of Columbus under its Healing Haiti’s Children program. The team is nicknamed the Tarantulas — “zaryen” in Creole. The name is significant, Cedieu explained, because a tarantula is not hampered when it loses a leg and can regenerate the lost limb over time. Fortilus and colleague Wilfrid Macena have been instrumental in building the team since it formed in August. An avid soccer player, Macena lost his right leg when a wall
fell on him during the quake. The two were concerned that many people with an amputated limb felt they would be hampered from living a normal life because of their disabilities. The two men talked with supervisors at the hospital’s prosthetic and physical therapy program and were put in touch with the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which helped with funding for uniforms and shoes. “I am so proud that I can show some people I am amputee and I can walk again,” said Macena, whose wife is expecting the couple’s second child in July. He has been fitted with a prostheses, but removes it to play soccer. He said he drives to work daily at the lab. The couple continues to live in a tent camp in the Dichini neighborhood of Carrefour, just west of the capital.
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St-Julien said playing soccer has helped him overcome the adversities he and his family have experienced since the earthquake. He said he has been unable to find work since the disaster hit and continued to live in a tent camp not far from the field with his wife and seven children, ages 2-16.
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Team member Xavier Semareste, 39, said playing soccer helps him â&#x20AC;&#x153;feel alive.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is important for me and all the guys,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They (Fortilus and Macena) created this to alleviate the stress.â&#x20AC;? Cedieu said the team has played at several venues in Port-au-Prince, including
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the international soccer stadium in the center of town, where some of the most severe destruction occurred during the earthquake. The success of the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team led Fortilus to form a womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team. He also has started to recruit for a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team.
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b i hi b di d Submit this coupon to be entered in a drawing for a chance to win 2 club-seat tickets to the November 24th game against Rutgers.
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Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 31
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32 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine
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