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Dr. David J. Demko, Editor-in-Chief AgeVenture News Service 07-27-04 
Our culture is based on freedom, personal power. Perhaps, that's why the term "disability" evokes two types of responses, "the glass is half empty" and "the glass is half full". The "half-empty" group believes a disability in one area results in overall diminished capacity. Just as one might believe a sightless person is incapable of independent thought, meaning contribution, or a so-called "normal" life. The "half-full" group understands that disabilities don't automatically imply "handicap". This innovative television program helps viewers understand the disability concepts of "half empty" and "half-full", the types and nature of disabilities, and the resources available to support independent living.
Cazenovia College and WCNY-TV has launched “My So-Called Disability" which airs on WCNY-TV, the Public Broadcasting Station serving Central New York state. The eight chapter program examines physical, emotional, and social disabilities and readily available resources for self-help and support. The series is co-produced by Dr. Mary Handley, associate professor and director of the Human Services program at Cazenovia College and Bill Pfohl, executive producer with WCNY-TV. Handley is a long-time proponent of initiatives to include people with disabilities in everyday community activities. Her Therapeutic Recreation class at the College teams students majoring in Human Services with students with disabilities to plan and carry out recreational activities. Handley has been instrumental in keeping many Central New Yorkers with disabilities involved with their communities. Program host, Liz Ayers leads televised discussion of disability topics in concert with experts in respective fields. The entire program consists of eight disability topics or chapters listed below. Consult your local PBS-TV station for air times in your community.
Each year, over 2 million people sustain a brain injury that results in physical, cognitive, behavioral and psychological limitations. Every 15 seconds, someone sustains a brain injury in the United States (BIANYS). Developmental disabilities include mental retardation, autism, epilepsy, cerebral palsy and neurological disorders which occur before the age of 22. Physical disabilities include spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. Physically disabled individuals can lead independent lives, given appropriate support. 10 million people are blind or visually impaired in the United States including 90,000 children and 5.5 million elderly. Often, visual conditions are progressive as people age. Hearing impairment can occur at any age. Medical and technical advances now make it possible for hearing impaired to live productive lives. Origins of hearing impairment can be genetic, environmental, or age-related. Mental illness affects an individual's thinking, behavior or mood. A variety of therapeutic interventions can address illnesses and provide personal and family support. Chemical dependency includes the addiction to a variety of substances, both legal and illegal. One's personal, family, and work life are negatively affected by chemical dependency. 86 percent of all elders suffer from one or more chronic conditions: stroke, diabetes, visual & hearing impairments, mobility limitations, cognitive limitations and depression. Given proper intervention, elders can live active and productive lives. Image credit: WCNY-TV. See related articles in the AgeVenture archives. AgeVenture Lifestyle Features AgeVenture Headline News
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