Ted:

Welcome to today's live broadcast of the IFL. How are you, Bill?
Bill:

Great, Ted. Great. Hey, did you see the "Sports Hall of Fame Awards" on TV last night?
Ted:

Sure did, Bill. Boy, you've really got to hand it to Mike Wilson for the way he's been able to overcome his
disability and triumph as a golfer. This is a man who has devoted himself to the game of golf. He really
deserved that award.
Bill:

Yeah, and everyone was so pessimistic about his recovery. Even his old coach tried to talk him out of
going back to the game as soon as he did. No one believed he would make it back to the top from a
wheelchair.
Ted:

Yeah. People are so prejudiced. I tell you, discrimination has been more of a handicap for Wilson than
his paralysis.
Bill:

Wow, what an incredible ordeal to have to go through. He sure put up a brave fight.
Ted:

And what a victory! Wilson really stands out as an example of what optimism and faith in yourself can
achieve.
Bill:

Yeah. It just shows how important a positive attitude is. I'm looking forward to seeing him play in the ...
Ted:

I hate to cut you off, Bill, but the game's just about to start.
Bill:

But first it's time for a commercial break.

Ted:

We'll be back before you know it, listeners, so stay tuned!

Mitch Stanfield was very excited. He was about to be presented with an award in recognition of
the work he had done on behalf of Helping Hands, an organization which he had founded and
devoted himself to for the past ten years. Helping Hands was an organization that helped people
with physical disabilities. The organization did its best to help them cope with problems such as
discrimination in the workplace and restrictions in housing, as well as coping with their own
personal challenges.

Mitch remembered how it had all begun. He'd been a healthy young man, just out of college and
full of optimism, certain that he would have a bright future. Then, one day while Mitch was
driving to work, his car was hit by a truck. Mitch became paralyzed. He felt helpless, depressed,
and pessimistic. He realized that nothing would ever be the same.

However, with time, therapy, and the love and support of his family and friends, Mitch came to
accept his new situation and learned to deal with it. Eventually, he decided to look for a job. He
found that although he was considered to be an expert in his field, employers were not interested
in hiring a man who uses a wheelchair.

Mitch felt he had to do something. He came up with the idea of forming an organization that
would fight prejudice against people with disabilities.

Mitch had no idea that Helping Hands would be so successful. Since opening its doors, Helping
Hands has been victorious in several lawsuits against companies. It has set up programs in
schools that enable children with and without disabilities to establish friendships. The
organization also offers workshops that teach Braille to people who are visually impaired and
sign language to people who are deaf and hard of hearing.

As he waited to receive his award from the mayor, Mitch found it hard to believe that ten years
had passed since he had first founded Helping Hands. It was impossible to comprehend how
much had been achieved in that short time. "I'm happy to present this award to Mr. Mitch
Stanfield," the mayor was saying. "He is such a brave man, and he has contributed so much to
our community. I ask that Mitch Stanfield come up on stage and say a few words to all of you!"
Mitch proudly wheeled himself on stage, and gave a triumphant smile.

Mitch Stanfield estaba muy emocionado. Estaba a punto de recibir un premio en reconocimiento
al trabajo que haba hecho en nombre de Helping Hands, una organizacin que haba fundado y
dedicado a los ltimos diez aos. Helping Hands fue una organizacin que ayud a personas con
discapacidades fsicas. La organizacin hizo todo lo posible para ayudarles a hacer frente a
problemas como la discriminacin en el lugar de trabajo y las restricciones en la vivienda, as
como hacer frente a sus propios desafos personales.
Mitch record cmo todo haba comenzado. Haba sido un joven sano, recin salido de la
universidad y lleno de optimismo, seguro de que tendra un futuro brillante. Entonces, un da
mientras Mitch conduca al trabajo, su coche fue golpeado por un camin. Mitch se qued
paralizado. Se senta desvalido, deprimido y pesimista. Se dio cuenta de que nada sera lo
mismo.
Sin embargo, con el tiempo, la terapia, el amor y el apoyo de su familia y amigos, Mitch lleg a
aceptar su nueva situacin y aprendi a lidiar con ella. Eventualmente, decidi buscar un trabajo.
l encontr que aunque l fue considerado ser un experto en su campo, los patrones no estaban
interesados en emplear a un hombre que utilice una silla de ruedas.
Mitch sinti que tena que hacer algo. Se le ocurri la idea de formar una organizacin que
luchara contra los prejuicios contra las personas con discapacidad.
Mitch no tena ni idea de que Helping Hands tendra tanto xito. Desde que abri sus puertas,
Helping Hands ha sido victoriosa en varias demandas contra empresas. Ha establecido
programas en escuelas que permiten a los nios con y sin discapacidades establecer amistades.
La organizacin tambin ofrece talleres que ensean Braille a personas con discapacidad visual y
lenguaje de seas a personas sordas y con problemas de audicin.
Mientras esperaba para recibir su premio del alcalde, Mitch encontr difcil creer que haban
pasado diez aos desde que haba fundado Helping Hands. Era imposible comprender cunto se
haba logrado en ese corto tiempo. "Estoy feliz de presentar este premio al seor Mitch
Stanfield", deca el alcalde. "Es un hombre tan valiente, y ha contribuido tanto a nuestra
comunidad y le pido que Mitch Stanfield suba al escenario y diga algunas palabras a todos
ustedes". Mitch se arroj con orgullo al escenario y sonri triunfante.
- Excuse me. I wonder if you'd mind not talking so loud.
- Not at all. I didn't realize I was bothering you.
- Well, it's just that we're having a rather important discussion here.
- I'm so sorry. I was talking loudly because my friend is a bit deaf.
- Oh, really? Well, in that case, forget that I said anything.

- Disculpe. Me pregunto si te importara no hablar tan fuerte.

- De ningn modo. No saba que te estaba molestando.
- Bueno, es slo que tenemos una discusin muy importante aqu.
- Lo siento mucho. Estaba hablando en voz alta porque mi amigo es un poco sordo.
- Oh enserio? Bueno, en ese caso, olvida que dije algo.
- I'm really excited about tonight's Mick Starlight concert!
- I assume you're referring to that noisy rock musician.
- Yes. I've been listening to his music all week to get into the mood.
- I'm aware of that. I've had a headache from it all week.

- Estoy muy emocionado por el concierto de Mick Starlight de esta noche!

Supongo que te refieres a ese ruidoso msico de rock.
- S. He estado escuchando su msica toda la semana para entrar en el estado de nimo.
- Estoy al tanto. He tenido un dolor de cabeza de toda la semana.