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>> I am a wife and a
mother who currently works

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as a victim witness advocate

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for the Mercer County
Prosecutors Office

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in New Jersey.

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>> After I was injured in 1986,
I got involved in athletics.

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So I did a lot of sports.

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>> I am fortunate that I'm
married, my wife Sara.

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I have a wonderful son Allen.

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You know, blessed
to have a family

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that is a tremendous personal
support and value to me.

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>> Having a disability
doesn't mean that you're dead.

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Doesn't mean that you don't
want to have a leisure life too.

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Doesn't mean that you
don't want to do --

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and don't have the same thoughts
and feelings as everybody else.

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>> Although we've come a long
way in society, and there's,

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you know, much more emphasis
on disability rights today

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and independence for
people with disabilities.

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There's still a lot
of stigma that people

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with disabilities
can't have families.

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Can't be married.

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Can't have children.

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Can't work a full-time job.

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You know? I've had even people
with disabilities ask me,

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"Well, why are you working?"

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Well, I want to work.

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I want to work.

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I want to contribute to society.

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I want to make money.

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I want to be successful
in my and to me

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if I can work I want to.