Walter's Story...
The story of a young man living with Cerebral Palsy.
Walter Slater, 22, doesn't like people to tell him "no." Although his Cerebral palsy affects his speech and right arm motion, he walks unaided. He says "Just give me a chance, and I'll prove my ability."
Recently Walter proved his ability by learning to drive. He says "I got my driver's license last June and everyone was so surprised. No one thought I could do it, but I did." He has also learned to operate a front ladder machine at the construction site where his brother-in-law, George Bishop, works. And in 1987, he graduated from high school.
In fact, Walter has made a habit of challenging others' expectations. He recalls that when he was twelve he scared one of his brothers to death when he announced he had learned to ride a bike. Later on, when somebody stole his bike, he tried hard to recover it on his own. When Walter found out who had taken his bike, he confronted him. Against his better judgment, he was suddenly in a fist-fight with the neighborhood bully. Walter didn't get his bike back, but that day was very important for him. He explains "People always think that people with disabilities never get in trouble. I was not proud of the fact that I was in a fight, but I think I showed the kids in my area that I am just like everyone else."
Not only do the neighborhood kids now accept Walter, they come to him to fix their bikes." And, Walter notes, " Once people get to know me, they forget I am handicapped."
One reason Walter has never really let his disability become a handicap is because of his family - his parents, five brothers and seven sisters. He says, Basically my family treated me like a 'normal' person. My family always said, 'Do it yourself.' I never wanted to receive any special favors or treatment." About the only complaint he has about his disability is that the communication difficulties he encounters can be frustrating.
Walters claims are backed up by George Bishop, who sometimes serves as Walter's interpreter and appears to be his best friend. "Walter has always been a normal part of the family.", George agrees. "He fought and played with his brothers and sisters. They all took care of each other. I have a lot of respect for Walter. He wasn't allowed to get away with anything."
At present, Walter lives at home with his mom and dad, as well as three sisters and one brother. But he hopes to increase his independence soon - specifically by finding a job that will pay him enough to live comfortably.
Until recently, Walter divided his time between part-time paid work and part-time volunteer work. Walter's paid job was at an auto repair shop, where he helped clean up and learned to repair cars. His volunteer work was with an organization called Youth for Understanding, where he mailed out brochures to people interested in their student exchange program. Walter says his volunteer work was "something to do, and a good experience" but he warns that people with disabilities need to be choosy about the volunteer work they accept. In high school for instance, he worked for a computer company, doing volunteer work that he felt he should have been paid for. He says, "Sometimes people take advantage of the handicapped. You have to not be afraid to take a stand." For Walter, taking a stand meant quiting his volunteer job and taking a paying job at a company that made microfilm. Presently, Walter works full-time at a major hotel chain, in the housekeeping department.
In his free time Walter keeps busy with his hobbies - fishing, bike racing, and "tearing down car engines in order to find a problem." Every Friday, he works out at a gym that lets people with disabilities in for free. When he finishes, he says, "I help with others who may be in a wheelchair and need help with the weights.
I hate sitting around with nothing to do." When asked what words of advice he has for other young people with disabilities, Walter offers a handful: "Stop making excuses for yourself. Be persistent - don't think about what other people say. If you get the chance to do something, do it! Don't miss the chance. Don't wait for a handout - earn it yourself. Make something happen for yourself."
This story taken from:
"Taking Charge: Teenagers Talk about Life & Physical Disabilities." © 1992, Woodbine House