Disability Is Not an Obstacle

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Disability Is Not An Obstacle In challenges and struggles, character is discovered. It is when a person is pushed to the limit that we really begin to know a person. “In Blindly He Goes… Up” by Steve Rushin, we meet a blind man that, despite all odds, ascends Mount Everest. Moreover, in Versabraille by Bill Schermbrucker, we are presented another blind man who strives to aid his own kind. The traits these two men share in facing their difficulties, and overcoming them are the same. The clearest similarity the men have is their determination, their drive. “ [H]e takes a deep breath, holds his white stick high in the air, and marches slowly, determinedly across the road” (17 Bill Schermbrucker). Perhaps, it is not frightening to cross a street, but gazing into a dark abyss while a herd of metal beasts gallop about you is. Uncle Jim is a sightless man who never allows his disability to limit him. Instead, he musters up courage, and presses on even though “he stumbles into the curb” (17 Bill Schermbrucker). Furthermore, Weihenmayer proves to have the same quality when “[he] wound up walking into a duck pond… so he returned… and tried again… and again” (Steve Rushin). This event illustrates how motivated he really is. No matter how many times he fell, he rose each time more driven than the last to reach his goal. Hardships try even the strongest of men, but whining about them will not change anything. Both men understand this. Uncle Jim, who could have been resentful for being born sightless, rather looks to aiding disabled people like himself, and “manages all this without complaint” (2 Bill Schermbrucker). In addition, Weihenmayer displays this characteristic when faced with frustration. He states: “[y]ou can look at life as a nightmare or as an adventure. I chose adventure” (5 Steve Rushin). Weihenmayer presents his positive outlook on life, and even more, his

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