Mitsubishi Electric: Changes for the Better

Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation

November 2008: Camron

Name: Camron
City: Smyra, GA
Hobbies: Drawing, riding his bike, reading, video games, watching cartoons

Meet Camron, a bright, energetic young man who is always smiling and laughing. After looking at his picture, ask yourself the following questions:

• Can you infer anything about him by looking at him?
• How old is he?
• What can you infer about his likes/dislikes?
• What else do you notice?

Camron is a second grade student at Imagine International Academy of Smyrna, Ga.. An honor roll student and member of the school?fs gifted program, Camron enjoys drawing, riding his bike, reading, playing video games and watching cartoons.

In your original observation of Camron you may have noticed a lot of things, including his energetic smile, but did you know that he was born with Sickle Cell disease? This disease affects the hemoglobin in red blood cells and is the most common genetic disease in the U.S., impacting the lives of more than 70,000 Americans.

Camron, like most other children his age, enjoys having fun. Even with sickle cell disease, Camron?fs life is not defined merely by his diagnosis ? it is just one factor in the life of this young man. With the support of his family and teachers Camron is living a full, active and productive life and enjoying all the things a child his age should!

Unfortunately for many children with disabilities, people too often focus on their disabilities or their diagnosis rather than on them or their abilities. Constantly focusing on a person?fs disabilities or limitations is not only condescending but offensive and hurtful. We should always put a person first rather than putting the emphasis on their physical or mental characteristics.

Thanks to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America for introducing Camron.