Do you do the best with what you have? I read an interesting article by Stephen Pelletier, who was an executive vice president and CEO of Prudential Insurance. He recalled his experience attending the 2014 USA Games of the Special Olympics in New Jersey.

Mr. Pelletier’s thoughts are as follows:

The talents that were showcased were inspirational and served as reminders that disabled people should be given an opportunity to thrive in the workplace.

My son, Tom, a participant in the Special Olympics, has received a medal in swimming. He is nearly blind and was diagnosed on the autism spectrum as an infant. Tom is also an accomplished chef and a skilled technologist who knows his way around a computer far better than his father does.

Businesses are overlooking an important resource of hiring the disabled that needs to be considered. Companies would not only be doing the right thing, but the smart thing by getting their talent from the widest pool, without excluding potentially productive associates.

Connecting with the growing networks around the country that advocate for workers with disabilities is good business. These organizations include: Springboard Consulting and the National Organization on Disability.

I was inspired and informed by this article. I was impressed with Tom for his accomplishments, despite his challenges. It saddens me to think that people with disabilities are often overlooked for job opportunities, despite having talents and qualifications.

The article also got me thinking about emotional handicaps, which is something that rarely gets any attention. I know some people who feel emotionally handicapped by their high sensitivity and their introversion. Personally, I’ve never felt that way.

I can appreciate how other people might feel differently. I’ve found that acceptance and learning more about myself has allowed me to do the best with what I have and who I am.

Do you do the best with what you have? Whether you have physical or emotional handicaps, it’s important to get the best out of yourself. Tom and all of the Special Olympics participants sure do! They have much to overcome yet that doesn’t stop them from competing and advancing their skills.

I’m always inspired when I see courage in other people! What about you? I’m interested in any thoughts or comments that you have.

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