A Powerful Message for Youth With Disabilities: from U.S. Department of Labor blog

by KATHY MARTINEZ on FEBRUARY 1, 2014

 U.S. Department of Labor blog 

On Sunday, people across the country will take part in an American tradition: watching the Super Bowl on television. This year, one player in particular has captured my interest: theSeattle Seahawks’ Derrick Coleman, a person with a disability who demonstrates, in a big way, that it’s what people can do that matters. He’s a great example of why we in the Office of Disability Employment Policy work each day to ensure more people with disabilities have the opportunity to rise to the top of their game.

The first legally deaf person to be part of an NFL offense, Coleman was diagnosed with his disability when he was three years old. He reads lips and uses hearing aids, both on and off the field. In a recent advertisement, he delivers a compelling message about his experiences growing up as a child with a disability and achieving his dream of becoming a professional football player.

His words inspired a nine-year-old girl named Riley Kovalcik, who also has a hearing impairment, to reach out to Coleman. On her own initiative, she wrote a letter wishing him luck in the Jan. 20 playoff game and noting the things they have in common — not just their disability, but also their love of sports.

Riley Kovalcik's letter to Derrick Coleman

She also shared that that she has a twin who also wears a hearing aid. (Upon hearing this part of the story, I felt a real connection with Riley, because I also am a person with a disability who has a sister with the same disability.) When Riley’s dad read the letter, he snapped a photo and posted it on Twitter. It quickly circulated and found its way to Coleman, who responded. If you read the exchange, it’s hard to discern which is more inspiring!

Derrick Coleman's letter to Riley Kovalcik

This heartwarming story reinforces the importance of what I like to call “look-alike mentors” for young people with disabilities — something that lies at the heart of our work at ODEP. Sure, Coleman, a 23-year-old fullback who is 6 feet tall and weighs 233 pounds, doesn’t literally look a whole lot like his young fan. But when Riley looks at Coleman, she sees a person who, like her, has a disability and has reached the highest level possible in his chosen profession. That’s apowerful image. At ODEP, it is our goal to see more role models with disabilities like Coleman achieve their dreams — whatever they may be — so that more youth with disabilities like Riley and her sister grow up knowing that they can, too.

Editor’s note: ABC’s Good Morning America has more about this story. Watch the video here.

Kathy Martinez is the assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy.

http://social.dol.gov/blog/a-powerful-message-for-youth-with-disabilities/