Blog Post: Handicrap

On the back of Scott Hatley’s wheelchair there is one simple word that describes all the excuses and limitations that many disabled people must confront if they are to find their way in the world. 
Handicrap.

Scott’s name was referred our way by Stephen Peters, a guy who described Oregon as a place where people throw caution to the wind and do their own thing.  Scott definitely fits the description. 

A young man in late twenties, Scott is bound to a wheelchair due to muscular dystrophy.  His chair challenges did not stop him from graduating from the University of Portland .  It also did not prevent him from founding his own non-profit organization, called Incight, which helps educate and employ people with disabilities. 

For Scott, the mission of Incight extends beyond advancing the education and employment opportunities of its active participants.  The goal is to change the mindset and attitude of people that prevents them from changing, growing and living.    

“A lot of people with disabilities have their own personal handicrap.  Whether it is hiding behind their disability, or convincing themselves that they can’t do something, they are not realizing their full potential because of these self-limitations.  This happens even if you don’t have a disability.” 

Scott’s last sentence struck me.  I realized just how often we handicap ourselves.  Especially those of us that create our own handicaps.  We convince ourselves that we’re not smart enough, or not pretty enough, or not qualified enough to go after something we really want.  We trap ourselves in self-imposed barriers.  Those barriers literally paralyze us to the point where we rather stay complacent than risk facing failure. 

Well, that’s crap.  Handicrap.    

Brett Farmiloe is writing a book about the Pursue the Passion tour he and three guys took last summer, where they traveled around America and interviewed people who have a passion for their work.  This is an entry in the book.  Brett welcomes you in being a part of the book process by offering any criticisms or suggestions below.