Incoming NY Governor Inspires Disabled

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Source: The Associated Press

SANDS POINT, N.Y. (AP) — When David Paterson takes office Monday to become the nation's first legally blind governor, among those watching with the greatest interest will be those who cannot see.

Paterson's rise to governor has served as a great source of inspiration to blind Americans, many of whom believe his newfound power will make the country more open-minded about disabilities.

"We don't see a lot of people with disabilities in positions that important," said Suzanne Ressa, marketing and development director at the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults on Long Island. "He could be a great role model to all those individuals who are transitioning into the work world, because he's saying, `Yeah I'm making it happen.' You know, `If I can hold this leadership position, so can other people.'"

Paterson, who lost sight in his left eye and much of the sight in his right eye after an infection as an infant, joins a minuscule fraternity of blind politicians to attain high office. Thomas Pryor Gore was totally blind and served as a U.S. senator from Oklahoma from 1907 until 1921 and from 1931 until 1937. Minnesota had a blind congressman and senator, Thomas David Schall, who served from 1915 until his death in 1935.

Read more: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5i-jZDFiRmQdAUEK-OTzPSVIrBxOQD8VD6BVG0

[boobooday]

1. He is inspiring

And not just to the disabled!

I wish him well. He and his wife looked like they were totally in shock at his swearing-in!