Paterson's ascension inspiring for the disabled
SANDS POINT, N.Y. - When David Paterson takes office Monday to become the nation's first legally blind governor to serve more than a few days, among those watching with the greatest interest will be those who cannot see.
Paterson's rise to governor has served as a great source of inspiration to blind Americans, many of whom believe his newfound power will make the country more open-minded about disabilities.
"We don't see a lot of people with disabilities in positions that important," said Suzanne Ressa, marketing and development director at the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults on Long Island. "He could be a great role model to all those individuals who are transitioning into the work world."
Paterson, who lost sight in his left eye and much of the sight in his right eye after an infection as an infant, joins a minuscule fraternity of blind politicians to attain high office. Thomas Pryor Gore, who was totally blind, served as a US senator from Oklahoma from 1907 until 1921 and from 1931 until 1937. Minnesota had a blind congressman and senator, Thomas David Schall, who served from 1915 until his death in 1935.
There has been one other legally blind governor in US history. Bob Cowley Riley, who lost his left eye in WWII and later lost vision in his right eye, served 11 days as governor of Arkansas in 1975. He had been lieutenant governor and finished the term of Dale Bumpers, who moved on to the US Senate.
Paterson succeeds Eliot Spitzer, who resigned Wednesday after being exposed as a client in a prostitution ring. The 53-year-old Paterson is the state's first disabled governor since Franklin D. Roosevelt, who suffered from polio.
Maricar Marquez hopes Paterson's new job will help change people's opinions about disabilities. Marquez, 36, is deaf and blind, and communicates with the aid of two interpreters, but still manages to work as an instructor at the Helen Keller center.
"Maybe with this happening the government will be more sensitive to people with disabilities and provide better services for rehabilitation, education, and maybe be more willing to be open-minded and understanding of the needs of people with disabilities," she said.
Dr. Marc Maurer, president of the National Federation of the Blind, said Paterson's ascension can only help shatter misconceptions and stereotypes.
"He will serve as constant proof to the citizens of New York and the nation that blind people can perform any task, from an entry-level position to leading one of the largest states," Maurer said.
Vincent Norbury, a 19-year-old student from Queens who attends the Helen Keller center, had some suggestions for the incoming governor: "I think he should put Braille on more street signs and make some way that people with no vision can tell if the lights are changing in the street."
Tracey Gilbert-Dallow of Port Washington, a Helen Keller instructor who gets around with a guide dog, predicted Paterson "will have a big influence not just on blind people, but everyone."
