Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Chicago

Global leader emphasizes dignity of people with disabilities

It's high praise indeed from someone who upon winning the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize was called an example of the best of humanity. The archbishop today told the crowd of four-hundred parents, caregivers and benefactors of people with disabilities that their charges were equal -- and gifted -- members of the human family.

"They can evoke in each one of us lying perhaps dormant our capacity for compassion, our generosity our caring which might not have been evoked otherwise," said Archbishop Tutu.

That compassion was on display during the event and in a corporate video. The archbishop helped attendees ratify the value they place on their life's work.

"It's so natural for me you know, it is not hard at all. I was touched by the fact we all do need each other," said Glenda Boston of Community Services Support.

Debra Vines started her own agency, The answer Inc., after working with Community Services Support to help her son, who has autism. Archbishop Tutu moved her to advocate even more for those with disabilities.

"Show them that you care, show them that you love them," said Vines. "You might not understand what they are going through but just that support."

At an earlier VIP reception the archbishop dispensed wisdom to a long line of well wishers and the notion that to help those in need, caregivers need to have pride.

"He is an icon of someone who can show us a way to do that," said Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago.

A global guide, Tutu is determined to talk up how we are all enriched by helping those with disabilities to live independently, and take their place in the community

"They are able to work with us and God to make to make to make our world a slightly more gentle world," said Tutu.

Get more Local »

local, ravi baichwal

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•