THE EDITOR IN CHIEF'S DESK FAYE SIMON

Never Assume

Never assume that a person is incapable of doing something because they have a disability.

As Editor in Chief of EP Magazine, I receive a lot of feedback. The vast majority of the comments have been extremely positive, appreciative and supportive of the magazine, like the following remark “your website and magazine are truly phenomenal and I believe you are making such a difference in the special needs community.” There was one comment not in that vein, that inspired me to share something that I have learned from the many people I have met and talked to who have a disability or special healthcare need.

Never assume someone is incapable of doing something because they have a disability. How they do it may be different or take more time because for them it may be more difficult, but they may very well be able to accomplish the task. As Gianna, the “One Handed Lady Golfer” featured in our June 2022 issue said, “Disabled is the right word when it’s used in the right context. I love differently-abled, because it is just different – I’m going to do it differently” In my opinion, someone who is able to find a way to accomplish something, despite a challenge, is to be respected and admired. That person, in my opinion, is an inspiration.

Many people create activities to make it more of a challenge, for example: tying one hand behind their back, wearing blindfolds, running hills instead of flat, creating an obstacle course. People applaud those who perform despite the challenges. So how could anyone do anything, but applaud, respect and be inspired by those who attempt, achieve and succeed, despite the challenges that life has naturally given them? We are proud to provide stories about many of these remark

able people. I have learned that despite challenges some people may face, one should never underestimate them. "Wheelz," who has spina bifida, is a wheelchair motocross athlete. When he was interviewed for our May 2022 issue, he said "There are obviously things a disability stops you from being able to do, like I can't walk, but life did give me a different set of wheels." Wheelz came in second on America's Got Talent Extreme.

"Despite the challenges that people who live with a disability face, do not underestimate them."

During my time at the magazine and teaching, I have met and gotten to know many wonderful, inspiring, uplifting people, who live with a disability or face special healthcare challenges. I have learned that despite the challenges, they can accomplish amazing things in their lives. I constantly learn from, have much respect for, and never underestimate them.

Faye Simon

Editor In Chief

THE EDITOR IN CHIEF'S DESK

Faye Simon is a certified pre-K—8 teacher with a wide range of educational experience. She has worked in deaf/blind and infant stimulation programs, taught K—2 in public schools, and was a Head Teacher and Parent Coordinator for Head Start. She is Founder and President of the volunteer-run IES Brain Research Foundation. As EP's Editor In Chief, Faye sources and edits articles, creates partnerships with businesses and not-for-profit organizations, and develops relationships with EP's writers, corporate partners, readers and staff.

Information and Support for the Special Needs Community

VOLUME 53 ISSUE 2 ESTABLISHED 1971

Publisher Len Harac lharac@epmagazine.com

Editior In Chief Faye Simon fsimon@epmagazine.com

Art Direction & Design Leverett Cooper lev@foxprintdesign.com

EXCEPTIONAL PARENT MEDIA

Exceptional Parent (ISSN 0046-9157) is published monthly 12 times per year including the special January EP Guide - Navigating Special Needs Resources by Exceptional Parent Magazine, 1360 Clifton Avenue, Ste. 327, Clifton, NJ 07012 Internet address: epmagazine.com. All rights reserved. Copyright ©2023 by Exceptional Parent Magazine,. Exceptional Parent™ is a registered trademark of Exceptional Parent Magazine. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Exceptional Parent,1360 Clifton Avenue, Ste. 327, Clifton, NJ 07012. Any applicable periodical postage paid at Clifton, NJ and additional mailing offices (USPS 557-810). Basic annual subscription for EP Digital is free. Limited edition print subscription $199.00. Subscriber Service: Direct all inquiries & address changes to: Exceptional Parent, 1360 Clifton Avenue, Ste. 327, Clifton, NJ 07012 08758. Customer Service/New Orders: E-mail: fsimon@epmagazine.com or call (973) 726-6218. Back issues incur a charge of $17 each with shipping, (January issue $20 when requested) and depend upon availability. Call (973) 726-6218. Agreement #1420542