Look at me…not my disability

An intelligent man with a great sense of humor, Ed Duryea has worked throughout his life to help others. Ed, who has Cerebral Palsy, helps to train and teach new staff at The Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence Commerce Lane day habilitation, where he attends. He is a strong advocate for himself, and for all people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. 

Ed is member of the LIFEPlan North Country Member and Family Advisory Council.  As a strong leader, he works hard to be a positive influence on those around him. After attending each MFA Council meeting, Ed shares with his peers and co-workers the new information that he learns from other Council members.  

Ed has a never give up’ attitude that drives him to seek and spread knowledge throughout his community to help others. 

Though it is physically difficult for Ed to share information, he wanted his colleagues on the MFA Council to learn about his life so they could get to know him better. To accomplish this, Ed assembled informational packets about himself and the challenges he faces as a person with cerebral palsy.  Ed share information on his therapies and wheelchair, and he wrote about a few of the people who inspire him.  

Ed also created two lists to educate others when interacting with people of varying abilities –  

Top Ten Things You Should Not Do When Supporting Us

Top Ten Things You Should Do When Supporting Us 

These lists have been incorporated into the LIFEPlan Care Manager Orientation process.    

Ed has a favorite phrase about his life – “Look at me. NOT the wheelchair or disability!”  Abigail Remington, Ed’s LIFEPLan Care Manager commented “This statement has helped me, and others understand that there is no difference between people. There is no disability because we are all unique, and that uniqueness is what makes us a person.” 

It is clear that Ed wants to make a difference in the world. His world. And the world around him.