On a sunny and cool morning in a town not known for its art, but where it is plentiful, an article in the USA Today, “Disabled Artists Get Broad Strokes of Resilience” got my attention. Its author, Kate Naseef, took us through a brief account of Dennis Francesconi’s extraordinary experience in learning to express his ideas, through painting, after being unexpectedly paralyzed from the neck down.
The piece described in the article, Freedom, America Remembers, will comprise six paintings and stand 6 feet tall. Dennis found a support structure, Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA), and learned from the experience of others how to best leverage his talent. Its “self help not pity” that motivates the artist, a director accounts. And, to that end, Dennis moved from sitting idle to visiting at veterans’ hospitals and speaking with our wounded war fighters over the course of a few short years.
The story struck me not because of Dennis’ determination and beautiful art alone, but, also because of what is not said.
I work with Enable America and traveling throughout the country allows us to meet persons with disabilities. Without exception, each has a gift, a talent, a love of life and passion to share. Wouldn’t it be interesting to know how Dennis reconnected with his passion and found the MFPA? So many of us struggle so hard, daily, to manage the distractions that naturally flow from managing to live in a world best suited for the able bodied. Little time or energy is left to think of much else or do anything.
Understanding what resources are available to us and connecting with them is often easier said then done. As Enable America’s volunteers work in the field we strive to identify and learn about the depth and variety of programs offered through community based organizations. It is through networking theses “hometown” resources with other local, national and international programs that follow will have resources readily available to assist them in becoming “artists” in their own right.
On leaving Las Vegas, a city short on water and workers, we can only wonder how many of those casino patrons knew of MFPA or other organizations that were at the ready. Please take a moment to help us continue to build a network of networks, for a word of guidance or a helping hand need not be more a phone call or click away. Visit http://www.enableamerica.org for more information.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-10-21-disabled-artists_N.htm
Richard Salem is the Chairman of Enable America, a national organization endeavoring to increase employment among persons with disabilities and social inclusion, civic engagement through building grass roots and grass top, community, business and vet “connections.” Join us at http://www.enableamerica.org
