The Giving Hands

Ruth, the author of A Different Light and Wheelie Catholic, became a quadriplegia (loss of movement and sensation in all four limbs) from a car accident when she was in her 30s.

Despite being a wheelchair user, Ruth is an active member a number of societies in the US. She is a member of the:

• Society for Disability Studies — A group of academic/advocates in the field of disability.
• NJ Coalition for Inclusive Ministries — A coalition that works toward full inclusion of people with disabilities in various churches, synagogues, etc.
• USTA Wheelchair Tennis — She has played competitive wheelchair tennis for more than a dozen years.

Eversince the car accident, Ruth has learned a great deal from other roll models — folks she met who taught her, through their lives, that she could live a full life. She is also thankful for her close friends and professionals (allies) who have been so spiritually generous, and who helped her build a ramp, renovate her kitchen so that it is more accessible, etc. as well as her aide of three years, Meredith Gould, who also finds time to write books.

The biggest issue Ruth has ever faced in the society as a person living with disability is the lack of affordability of mobility equipment which limited employment opportunities. “I think we need to find ways to fund accessible transportation and good wheelchairs for wheelchair users so that they can be mobile and have equal access to any employment opportunities. Lack of mobility hampers taking certain jobs,” says Ruth.

In order to raise and spread the awareness on issues relating to people living with disabilities, Ruth would like to see the trend toward using humor to teach about disability and breaking down attitudes that are outdated.