By Maria Gallagher, Legislative Director
When I worked in TV news, we would talk about creating a “moment,”–a point
in time played out on the television screen that was particularly memorable.
As I was watching a replay of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” this week, I
witnessed such a moment, or, more accurately, a series of 
mind-blowing
moments, when the couple known as “Amy and Derek” danced.
The ABC website reports that contestant Amy Purdy lost her legs at the age
of 19 following a bout with meningitis. Undaunted, she became a three-time
World Cup Para-snowboard champion.
Her contemporary dance with professional partner Derek Hough began with baby
steps on her artificial legs and feet. At times, she gracefully fell to the
floor, to be picked up again by her partner. At one point, Derek twirls
her about so that she appears to be flying, and by the end of the dance, it
looks as if she is walking on air.
The song that accompanies the dance is “Human,” in which the singer notes,
“I can do it,” before admitting, “I’m only human/And I crash and break
down.”
At the dance’s end, the face of guest judge Robin Roberts of “Good Morning
America” reflects immense human emotion. The dance is a brilliant gem of an
example of the courage, fortitude, strength, heroism,and endurance that
people with disabilities evidence everyday.
It was a profound moment of accomplishment, and showed the miraculous feats
that can be achieved through hard work and perseverance–a moment of triumph
over trauma.
Share this video with your Facebook friends and Twitter followers. It is a
powerful argument against an attitude which says that a disability makes
life no longer worth living–or of no value from the start. The video is a
moment worth living again and again.