Life

Disabled artists to stage performance in Tainan

• Publication Date：10/14/2010

• Source： Liberty Times

An arts troupe made up of over 20 disabled individuals will perform with

a drum corps from the St. Raphael Opportunity Center Oct. 20 at Tainan

City's cultural center.

The performers hope that the willpower and determination they exhibit

will enable the public to gain a better understanding of physically and

mentally disabled persons.

The arts troupe received an award acknowledging their commitment to

living life to its fullest from the DDM Social Welfare and Charity

Foundation in September. The group is comprised of individuals with a

variety of physical, visual and hearing impairments.

They have overcome their individual challenges, however, and each

year hold nearly 200 performances at schools, hospitals, army

installations and prisons. Those who are unable to use their arms or

legs can still sing, while those with speaking impediments will find a way

to bring humor to the performance through their gestures.

Troupe leader Liu Ming-ben, who became confined to a wheelchair at a

young age due to severe polio affection, pointed out that every member

of the group could easily find something to complain about. However,

they have all decided to surmount their challenges by facing them and

passing on a positive message.

Tainan Mayor Hsu Tain-tsair praised the troupe for demonstrating how

courage can help people overcome obstacles.

(This article originally appeared in The Liberty Times Oct. 13.)