阅读理解 I grew up with a birth defect known as spina bifida, a disability that affects my sense of balance, causing me to walk with a limp.
As a young child, I could remember the way other children would look at me and stare because of the way that I walked.There were many times that my schoolmates would laugh at me and call me names simply because of their lack of understanding of why I was a little different.
Now that I am an adult, I have noticed that the stares and names have begun to fade, and judgments that once were negative have begun to turn toward acceptance.Now I look beyond what I can't do and focus on what I can.I have learned that limitations open doors that have been closed, showing other ways to meet our needs.I have always looked at life as a challenge, grasping each obstacle with open arms.There is nothing in this world that comes easy.I must stand tall and look forward, to be ever so ready for what still lies ahead.
People often feel sorry for those who were born with some type of disability.But their compassion is misplaced.Yes, I may not be able to run as fast or perform certain tasks, but my disability gives me a better look at life and all that's around me.I want to be seen not as a person with a disability but as a person who has and will continue to bloom.
So I decide to become an advocate on behalf of disabled Americans, to fight for our rights which have been ignored for so long.I feel that it only takes one powerful voice to change the minds of many nations, and as long as I have a mouth to use and a mind to think I will continue to work to bring peace upon the disabled community.
Notes：
①spina bifida脊柱裂 ②obstacle n ． 障碍
