MEMORANDUM Date: December 21, 1994 To: Senator Dole From: Alec Vachon Re: FOUR GOLD SEALS 1. DAN LEFTWICH * You received a letter from this 22-year old man, hit by a car last year and who now has limited use of his right arm and leg. * He asked about your experience with a disability--also how to meet girls and how you get your food cut in restaurants. 2. RICH MacCORKINDALE * You sent me a letter you received from the Dad of Rich MacCorkindale, a 12-year old boy with an inflammatory bowel disease who is having trouble with his self-esteem. * I tried to call this family, but they were not listed in the College Park, Maryland, directory. 3. SALLY SMITH * TY to Sally Smith, founder of the Lab School, for her book about children about disabilities. 4. NANCY BEREN * TY to Nancy Beren for photos of you at the Yeshiva University convocation and information about the Community Service program in Texas. * As Ms. Beren pointed out, the Kansas Community Service program is among the best regarded in the nation. David Wilson is in regular touch with Pat Kells, Executive Director of the Kansas program. I have shared Ms. Beren's letter with David. BOB DOLE UNITED STATES SENATE December 21, 1994 (End of Letterhead) Dear Dan, Thanks for your letter. You are correct that I have had similar experiences to your own. When I was 22 when I was wounded during World War II. I had extensive rehabilitation and surgery. Even today, I have only limited use of my right arm. My biggest battle in overcoming my injury was not physical, but mental--keeping a positive attitude, believing I could still do whatever I wanted. Sometimes I also felt a little embarrassed and shy. My doctor gave me some excellent advice--to make the most of my abilities, and not worry about anything else. I hope I am a better person for my disability, stronger and more caring. Regarding your specific questions, I'm not sure about how to meet girls--I think time will take care of that. When I eat out, I ask that my food be cut in the kitchen. Best wishes to you and your family during the holidays and in the New Year. If I helpful in any way, please let me know. Sincerely, Bob Dole Mr. Daniel Leftwich 124 Primrose Street Lincolndale, NY 10540 BOB DOLE UNITED STATES SENATE December 21, 1994 (End of Letterhead) Dear Rich, Your Dad has written to me about your disease, and I think I may know a little how you feel. During World War II, I was wounded. I was 22 years old. Later, I had extensive rehabilitation and surgery. Even today, I have only limited use of my right arm. But in overcoming my injury, my biggest battle was not physical, but mental--having a positive attitude, and believing I could still do whatever I wanted. Sometimes I felt a little embarrassed and shy. My doctor told me I had to make the most of my abilities, and not worry about anything else. It was good advice, and I have followed it ever since. I think I am a better person for my disability, stronger and more caring. I hope this helps. If I can do anything else, please let me know. Best wishes to you and your family during the holidays and in the New Year. Sincerely, BOB DOLE Mr. Richard MacCorkindale, Jr. P.O. Box 853 College Park, Maryland 20741 BOB DOLE UNITED STATES SENATE December 21, 1994 (End of Letterhead) Dear Sally, Thank you very much for your kind note, and for the copy of your new book that helps explain disability to children--and promote understanding of differences among people. I was pleased to note that your book is for children with and without disabilities. Although not always appreciated, in my view people without disabilities have been among the biggest winners in the push for greater respect for people with disabilities. Familiarity with people with disabilities has help release many people from prevalent, age-old fears and uncertainty associated with disability--a most natural part of the human condition--and diminish attitude barriers. My best wishes to you and your family during the holidays and in the New Year. Sincerely, Bob Dole Ms. Sally L. Smith The Lab School of Washington 4759 Reservoir Road Washington, D.C. 20007 BOB DOLE UNITED STATES SENATE December 21, 1994 (End of Letterhead) Dear Nancy, Thank you for your letter, the photos of the Convocation ceremony at Yeshiva, and information about the Texas Commission. I was pleased to see funding for accommodations for people with disabilities mentioned in the User's Guide. As you may know, I was responsible for this provision. In my view, it was past time that people with disabilities be allowed to make their contribution as volunteers on the same basis as others. But if financial resources were not available for accommodations, that commitment could be hollow. Also, thank you for your kind remarks about the Kansas community service program. I will make sure they are relayed to Pat Kells, with whom my staff meets regularly. With best wishes to you and your family during the holidays and in the New Year. Sincerely, Bob Dole Ms. Nancy T. Beren 2405 Bellefontaine Houston, TX 77030