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Rehabilitation Crucial to Recovery from Physical Challenges
Author: | Saturday July 07, 2007
J.R. Harding talked to Rehab Professionals at their Annual Conference this Spring in Washington D.C.
Rehab Vital to Recovery
Advocate Praises and
Encourages Professionals
J.R. Harding understands overcoming adversity. The U.S. Access Board member sustained two serious injuries, the first in 1983 and the second in the late nineties. Harding told his story at the annual conference of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP) conference held in Washington D.C. in May.
A 16-year-old high school football player in Indiana, Harding was on top of the world and looking forward to college, sports and a career. His life changed when football "buddies", apparently jealous of his status decided to beat him up. Thrown to the ground, Harding sustained a spinal cord injury that resulted in quadriplegia.
"I approached rehabilitation like I approached sports, giving it everything I had," Harding told the audience. "With the assistance of rehabilitation professionals like yourselves I was able to integrate back into society, learn how to have fun and to complete my education."
Harding faced another challenge around 1998 when he was propelled through a windshield in a car accidence. The accident resulted in Harding becoming a C-5 quadriplegic. Again, his fierce determination to overcome obstacles helped him through his rehabilitation.
"Each of you," he told the audience, "provide guidance and experience to help individuals get back into the game of life."
Ed. Note: J.R. Harding works for the Florida Department of Education in the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and is a member of the U.S. Access Board. He is also an advocate and a driving force behind the Mentoring Program in Florida which pairs individuals with disabilities with professionals in the community. Florida's Mentoring Day is October 17, 2007.
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