Friday, May 20, 2005 found P.S. 107, in Flushing, New York abuzz with excitement. Myriad visitors, some with props-a horse, several dogs, and a handcycle-were roaming the campus for career day, an annual event orchestrated by Guidance Counselor Nora Tomei.
Once again, United Spinal was proud to participate in this event, this year with representatives Laura Schwanger and Damon Rozier among the 52 invited speakers, which also included a TV news anchor, chocolate maker, district attorney, police officers, and special agents for the FBI and homeland security.
Schwanger, a member of the Association’s Softball and Sled Hockey teams and a Paralympian at the 1988, 1992, and 1996 games, and Mr. Rozier, member of the Association’s quad rugby team and participant in six New York City Marathons, described their varied careers to over 120 students. They also demonstrated adaptive sports, and handed out goody bags that included United Spinal’s new spinal cord injury prevention pamphlet called “Stay Safe.”
“Never give up on yourself or your dreams,” Rozier told the group. “When I first got injured, I wanted to give up and stay in bed.
But I realized that life takes us through different challenges and it is how we embrace these challenges that determine our destiny. So keep a smile on your face and with faith and courage, move forward!”
Rozier, who broke his neck in a motorcycle accident in 1997, is a single father of two boys and works as a comedian at comedy clubs all over the area. His act will be featured on Black Entertainment Television’s Coming to the Stage this fall. The students were intrigued with Rozier’s profession and asked him to tell a joke, to which he replied with several funny stories about his children who tend to make a break for the top bunk when being reprimanded by Dad. “[It] makes me rethink my decision to get bunk beds,” Rozier said. When the classes were dismissed, a few students lingered to get autographs from Rozier.
“Some may think that having a disability prevents you from doing things, but I am here to tell you it doesn’t,” Schwanger told the students. “In fact, I’ve been very lucky because my disability has allowed me to travel all over the world to compete in adaptive sports and I’ve met so many famous people, including President Clinton and Senator Clinton.” Schwanger, a retired Army meteorologist, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1982. She has a Masters degree in psychology and works as a regional administrator for United Spinal.
Schwanger uses her knowledge to counsel people of all ages with spinal cord injuries or disease. To the student’s delight (and with their help), she was able to coax Principal James Phair onto a handcycle to attempt to peddle around the gym. “I think your principal might need a few more classes before he comes bike riding with Damon and me,” Schwanger joked.
P.S. 107 is the only barrier-free elementary school with an elevator in District 25. Its unit for Children with Special Needs is a truly unique program and allows for children with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spinal bifida, and other disabilities to be mainstreamed into standard education classes according to their academic abilities. The integrated school is truly a gem in the New York City public school system. For almost a decade, United Spinal Association has been a proud partner with
P.S. 107 and has provided insightful assemblies about Bike Safety, Memorial Day, and adaptive sports. Each year the Association also sponsors P.S. 107’s team at the Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged held at Mitchell Field on Long Island, New York.
Donna Fredericksen is director of Public Affairs at United Spinal.
