Planning leadership development for 15 and 16-year-olds for my job this summer was an internal struggle for me.  I knew that physical activity and athleticism had to be part of the program, as many of the participants were very energetic. Furthermore, I knew that due to my physical limitations I would not be able to participate in some leadership training that would be very valuable for able-bodied kids.  I set out to include such programming because I wasn’t going to let my disability get in the way of a beneficial experience for them. However it was a struggle for me because I also wanted to convey the idea that I would take an active role in their development, and I would be there for them no matter what.

When they went off to do maintenance projects and other things that were not accessible to me, I found myself feeling negative about the extra work put on my co-leader’s plates, as well as the fact that I could not support the kids I was in charge of in every single situation.  I wondered very much if it would not be better for them to have an able-bodied leader who would be there for them at all times. 

Then I came to two major realizations:  First, I could convey willingness even though I was not able, by being with them regardless of whether I could do the work they were doing.  Second, I was not hired to be physically adept.  I was hired to do what I can do and do it well.  I identified with the kids and expressed interest in the experiences that I could not be a part of by having them describe them to me.  In this way they also furthered their communication skills.  In time I realized that my role was very different from those of my co-leaders, even though technically we had the same job descriptions.  While a co-leader led the kids for walks through the woods, etc, I was able to support those who weren’t up to it.  It became a very rewarding balancing act that met the needs of many. 

So might I remind you, inability doesn’t necessarily mean incompetence! Your inability to perform certain tasks might make you well suited to others. 

Until next time, keep on rolling in the city.

~ Chantal