My PR tactics class had the opportunity to listen and learn about Bryon Riesch’s contribution to those with disabilities, particularly those with paralysis and neurological disorders. Riesch not only is very knowledgeable about paralysis, but has firsthand experience on what living with a disability is like. In speaking with us he also provided useful tips to consider when communicating with people with disabilities as well as challenges associated with accepting life with a disability.
Riesch had been living the typical college student’s life at Marquette University until an unexpected accident happened that had left Riesch paralyzed from the chest down qualifying as a C-5 quadriplegic. Riesch’s life would never be the same again as he would have to face the challenges of accepting his disability as well as learning to adjust to the changes the disability would bring. After taking the long hard steps of adjusting to the drastic change, Riesch had decided that he wanted to make a difference in the lives of others going through similar situations. Riesch started the Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation in 2001 with a goal of finding a cure for paralysis through providing funding for research. The research done has not only benefited those with paralysis, but those with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer and Parkinson disease as well. To date the foundation has raised over $1,500,000 through different events such as run and walks or golf outings. Visit the BRPF Facebook page or join the BRPF group on LinkedIn for more information and updates on current events.
Riesch explained that the process of accepting this overwhelming change involves learning how to do the things you did a certain way before in a whole different way, losing friends that you thought you had while gaining new ones, and taking on the enormous amount of expenses that will accompany having a disability. It was surprising to me how much of a positive and humorous individual Riesch was, especially considering his circumstance. It was very inspiring to know that someone who has faced such hard times could overcome them by making a difference in the lives of others. Riesch was definitely a motivational speaker in the sense that he portrayed the message that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it. He went on to express to us that everyone has their own disability, and that even though they’re sometimes not visible it is important to learn how to overcome and deal with that disability to be happy in life.
As Riesch talked about his life before and after the accident, he was able to relate to us as well as help the class better understand from a standpoint of a person with a disability. In doing so he gave us some advice to use when communicating with people with disabilities. Some of these tips included not staring, introducing self just as would with anyone else, talking to the person directly, not the caregiver, don’t necessarily avoid contact, but actually engage in conversation, and asking if the person with a disability needs help before helping. Some of these pieces of advice seem like common sense, but I think we can all relate that sometimes it is hard to communicate because of lack of awareness in a situation.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Riesch’s experience, connect with him on LinkedIn.
