Fifty-four million Americans battle with some form of disability every day. Whether it is paralysis, deafness, amputations, multiple sclerosis, blindness or Traumatic Brain Injury, many have to live with these disabilities for the remainder of their lives.
The film “Invisible Voices,” which debuted June 21, 2010, captures the essence of those who have to live with their disability and reveals the confusion, depression, everyday struggles, tears and even laughter.
While some of the cast members’ disabilities were caused by accidents, others were born with their disability or suffered a worsening of their condition over time.
Billy Allen, Sandy Lahmann, Rick Modderman, Rebecca Shields, Kevin Peti and Kelly Tobin all live in Colorado and make up the stellar cast of “Invisible Voices.” It is easy to associate them among the bravest of the brave for sharing their lives. From their family and friends leaving them, to their willingness to succeed, each of their stories make them powerful beyond measure.
Rick Modderman, who worked for a Wall Street-based brokerage firm, has lived with his paralysis for the past 22 years. Growing up as a child he led a normal life. He loved to party and played golf regularly. In high school, he played competitive golf and even planned on going pro.
One night, he and a friend decided to ride motorcycles in the dark. As Modderman caught up to his friend, he suggested they take a ride through the golf course where he worked and often practiced. These were roads that Modderman knew all too well so they agreed to go.
While riding along the golf trails, Modderman noticed the roads were darker than he thought. His friend had already sped along and was no longer in sight. He pushed his bike, trying to find his way back onto city streets, but his tires lost traction causing him to lose control of the bike.
As the bike fell to the ground, Modderman’s legs touched the back of his head, breaking eight ribs, and causing multiple lacerations, as well as paralysis.
It would take Modderman years before he could finally overcome the pain and depression and acknowledge the mobility of his lower limbs was gone forever.
Twenty-two years later, Modderman is now a regional sales manager for a medical-supply company based out of Denver.
“I would not wish to walk again, but for everyone that isn’t confined to a wheelchair [should] have to live life for three days in a wheelchair so they would have a new respect for the man or woman that has to spend the rest of their lives in [one],” Modderman says whenever he is asked if he wishes to walk again.
Rebecca Shields has lived her entire life legally blind. Throughout life she has managed to make a way for herself all on her own.
When her first son was born, the hospital threatened to take him away because of her disability. She refused to give her baby up for adoption and wouldn’t leave the hospital without him. The doctors kept trying to tell her it would be an unsafe environment for a newborn baby because both parents were blind.
No matter how hard they tried to coerce Shields into putting her child up for adoption she refused. Using the only option left, the hospital allowed her to take her baby home and assigned a social worker to do a follow-up report after the baby was released into the custody of both parents. When the social worker arrived she was completely amazed.
“This is the cleanest and safest house I’ve visited all week,” she said.
The social worker commended her for her courage and never returned. Since then, Shields has birthed two more kids and adopted two, as well. She manages to provide for her family, giving them the essentials that are needed for survival: food, water, clothing and shelter. She is undeterred by her disability but driven by it to accomplish more.
Her oldest now lives alone in an apartment and attends college. She has two that are in high school and one who is in junior high. She married twice, provided for her children and herself and she even took the time out to get herself a service dog named Rizzo.
“It’s time to take care of me,” Shields said.
“Invisible Voices” helps those who do not struggle with a disability to better understand those who have to live with disabilities every day.
To get your copy of “Invisible Voices” go to: Invisiblevoices.org and enter special code ADA2010 to get the special price of $25 until July 15, 2010.
Great Article!… I loved it, very Inspiring.
I like it Brandon Congrads!