Man Using Disability to Inspire Others

COCA President Alex Perry talks to Good Day Columbia about how he uses his disability to inspire others

"COLUMBIA (WACH) --- It’s an annual event that gives a voice to disabled South Carolinians and their families. Wednesday March 6 is the 24th annual Disability Advocacy Day at the State house. The event raises awareness and reminds legislators of the hundreds of long term disabled people here in the Palmetto State. Alex Perry, a man living with cerebral palsy spoke to Good Day’s Fraendy Clervaud about living with a disability and how he uses it to encourage others."

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The Heart and Sole of Disabilities

The State (Mar. 8, 2012)- Eight-year-old Michael Leiby of Greenville, counts each step as he Eight-year-old Michael Leiby of Greenville, counts each step as he walks through a sea of 1000 shoes set up by The Step-Up Campaign in honor of Disability Advocacy Day at the State House, Wednesday afternoon. walks through a sea of 1000 shoes set up by The Step-Up Campaign in honor of Disability Advocacy Day at the State House, Wednesday afternoon.

"He's really into numbers," says his mother Susan Leiby.

"It's part of his disability." Michael, who was born with Autism and a condition called Neurofibromatosis, visited the State House for Disability Advocacy Day and got to speak with Governor Haley directly about his thoughts.

"He told her there should be plenty of money for families and schools to help people with disabilities," said Susan. "Then she leaned down and gave him a big hug."

The 1000 shoes on display were meant to represent the 903 in our state with disabilities living with caregivers aged 72 or older. The purpose of the display is to illustrate for legislators just how many people need help.

The shoes, that were donated from people all over South Carolina, will be boxed up and sent to Soles 4 Souls in Roanoke, Al where they will be fixed up and redistributed to those in need all over the country. The Step-up Campaign was sponsored by The Arc of South Carolina and The Autism Society.

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