Emmanuel's Gift

In the United States, we have come a long way in understanding that individuals with disabilities have not only the right to life, dignity and respect but also that they have something to give back to the world around them. While watching this video, I was struck not only by the fact that children with disabilities were killed and/or abandoned, but also by the fact that their lives had no value. Emmanuel beat the odds by putting together a grant package for something as simple as a bicyle so he could bike across a country, and in doing so he impacted an entire country by passing on the generosity. Emmanuel is truly a gift to his culture because he has shown that despite years of beliefs that disability deems an individual worthless and unworthy of life, he has not only proven that he can have a dream and make it happen but also that they can make a difference in the lives of many.