The Wall Street Journal
(Copyright (c) 2004, Dow Jones & Company, Inc.)
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Letters to the Editor
Helping the Disabled Learn to Help Themselves

Mr. Hunt would lead us to believe that life is "half-empty" for people like myself and others who lead very full, productive, independent lives -- despite a disability.

Of course, challenges exist for persons with disabilities, many of which are attitudinal. And Mr. Hunt is right to point out that disabilities issues do not always gain national attention. Yet to say that the current situation is a "disaster" only increases our challenges. Without a doubt -- with laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Vocational Rehabilitation Act, and President Bush's New Freedom Initiative -- people with disabilities have more opportunities than ever before to access education, employment, transportation, homeownership and recreation. They also have greater self-esteem -- a critical part of being independent.

Anne M. Rader

New York

(Ms. Rader serves on the National Board of Trustees for the United Cerebral Palsy Association and is a member of the President's National Council on Disability.)