Richard “Woody” Wood enjoys wakeboarding, traveling, and other activities.
Among the top myths about people with spinal cord injuries are that they are to be pitied, that they always need help, and that they can’t lead independent and fulfilling lives. All of these were gently dispelled in a virtual talk led by Angela Riccobono, PhD, Director of Rehabilitation Neuropsychology; Richard “Woody” Wood, Outreach Program Coordinator in the Mount Sinai Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation program; and Yesenia Torres, Accessibility Outreach Coordinator of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission.
The talk, hosted by the Office for Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) at Mount Sinai, was titled “Debunking Common Myths about Spinal Cord Injuries” and may be viewed here. It was part of the second annual Raising Disability Awareness Virtual Talk Series, launched by ODI for Disability Awareness Month to raise awareness and promote an inclusive and equitable workplace and health care environment for people with disabilities.
Yesenia Torres
Ms. Torres, who conducts training in disability awareness and etiquette, had two important tips: If you wonder if a person with disabilities needs help “Just ask first,” she said. “Do you need some help, and how can I help you? Those are the major questions.” And when referring to some with a disability, mention the person first, then the disability if it is relevant.
“We are us. We’re out there. We’re individuals. We do everything, maybe with a different form of doing it,” Ms. Torres said. “But our disability does not define us.”
Dr. Riccobono said while furthering diversity and inclusion, it was important to be both informed and socially aware of the issues that people with disabilities face. For example, those with spinal cord injuries often need more room to maneuver. With so many buildings having tiny bathrooms, narrow doorways, and stairs instead of elevators, life can be much more difficult for people with disabilities. In a health care facility, exam tables, mammogram machines, and even clothing racks may not be reachable for those with spinal cord injuries.
Ms. Torres and Mr. Wood recounted some of their own life experiences to dispel some common myths and point out the tremendous diversity within the community of people with disabilities.
Richard “Woody” Wood
One myth that people with spinal cord injuries face is that they are sad, depressed, or ill. “I’ve actually known someone who told me that they were sitting on the street and somebody just came and put money in their lap,” Dr. Riccobono said. Mr. Wood added that while he was waiting for a ride, a woman randomly gave him a dollar, even though he was talking on a brand new iPhone.
There is the mistaken belief that people who use wheelchairs cannot have fulfilling sex lives. “That’s the furthest from the truth,” Mr. Wood said. Ms. Torres added that her sex life is even better now. “Intimacy with your partner becomes very important and very powerful,” she said.
Angela Riccobono, PhD
The myth that people in wheelchairs can’t travel is also pervasive. “I travel a lot. And I’m actually organizing a trip to San Diego with my siblings, because I need a break. I’ve been doing too much,” Ms. Torres said, and described services that help with air travel. “Everything is out there for us. We go to the counter, and we say that we’re in a wheelchair. If we want, we can take our own wheelchair, or they could put us on a service wheelchair that’s very narrow and fits in the aisle of the plane. So, whoever wants to go out and travel, there are no ‘buts,’ because there’s help out there.”
Dr. Riccobono shared some recommendations, such as taking action by changing one’s beliefs and assumptions about people with spinal cord injuries, changing one’s behavior to include hiring people with disabilities to enhance inclusion in the workplace, and advocating for those who need it the most. “Listening to the needs of the community and working together to create positive change is an excellent way for experiences to get better,” she said.