Adam's Story: 'What it feels like to have a disability'

The writer is Adam Ramjattan, who lives in Coral Springs in northern Broward County with his parents Rachel and Romell as well as older brother Tim and younger sister Katie.

By ADAM RAMJATTAN

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to have a disability – in this case a neuro-muscular disease -- that confines you to a wheelchair, prevents you from going to school most days, and requires you to be on oxygen all the time? Can you imagine being a teenager and unable to go anywhere without an adult? It’s not fun – even though I have a wonderful family!

When people look at me, they see someone who is “handicapped.” I just hate that word. A lot of people stare at me, or walk past looking the other ways as if they don’t see me. But I want them to know that I am just a normal teenager who wants to do normal things. Instead of labeling me as “handicapped” or “disabled,” think of me as being “differently abled.” In fact, I can do many, many things -- just in different way.

Even though I miss so much of school, my parents and teachers help me stay on track. I am in eighth grade, just like my friends, and I am getting good grades, too.

This year I will be receiving the sacrament of Confirmation. In the Roman Catholic Church, teenagers seeking to be confirmed must do service hours to prepare. My parents knew that our pastor would exempt me from service hours, but I want to be treated just like every other person receiving Confirmation. Service hours let us help others and show God that we are willing to do our part. Why shouldn’t I do mine? When I heard about Catholic Charities’ First Annual Recovery Walk that will take place Saturday, April 14, I realized I had found a great service project. Although I cannot physically participate, or event attend that event, I knew I could find someone who would walk for me. Then I could earn service hours by sharing my story and asking people to sponsor us. My cousin Julien Stephenson agreed to walk, and we came up with the name “Sole Brothers.” It’s a great name, isn’t it? (Even though we are cousins, we’re more like brothers because we are best friends.)

Catholic Charities’ St. Luke’s Center helps drug addicts and alcoholics overcome addiction and enter recovery. Most clients are too poor to pay for rehab. Without places like St. Luke’s they would not be able to receive treatment. Many St. Luke clients have children, who also deserve happy homes and parents who can take care of them.

I hope you’ll visit our Sole Brothers page to learn more. You shouldn’t feel obliged to make a donation , though we will be happy if you do. When you visit, I hope you might do these things:

• Leave an encouraging note at the bottom of the page.
• Click on the Facebook, Twitter and Linked In icons to share our story with people you know.
• Read the comments others have left, and click on “Like” so people know you care.
• E mail this story or the link to our Sole Brothers page to as many people as you can.

Disabilities do make my life more challenging, but a disability doesn’t need to ruin my life, or anyone’s. I believe that God helps us by sending people to care for us, encourage us, and show us how we can still make the world a better place.

I am eager to read your message on our Sole Brothers page.