Johnnie Tuitel
To many, Johnnie Tuitel's disability is a struggle. But to Johnnie, it's just the way things are. Much of his positive attitude can be attributed to his upbringing. In 1963, doctors told Johnnie's Dutch-immigrant parents that their son had cerebral palsy. "He'll be a burden," they said. "He won't be able to lead a normal life."
Ignoring the doctors, the Tuitels took their baby home to love him and to raise him. They encouraged him to focus on his abilities and to try anything and everything. Yes, there were cuts and bruises along the way, but they just increased his determination and toughened his resolve. Each struggle was a stepping-stone to a higher, yet undefined goal.
The goal became clearer in 1974 when Johnnie became the first student with a disability to be mainstreamed into the public school system. He not only completed public schooling, but went on to receive a bachelor's degree from Hope College in Holland, Michigan. And all this from a young man who wasn't supposed to be able to lead a "normal" life.
Speaker, author, entrepreneur, visionary, family man and world-traveler, Johnnie Tuitel is a man who thinks outside the wheelchair. And he helps others to focus on life's potentials rather than its limitations. PROGRAMS
Responsibility and Accountability
Doctors pretty much told Johnnie's parents to put their infant son in an institution, and then go home and have "normal children." The philosophy of life Johnnie grew up with—mainly, you don't give up in the middle—is a much-needed message, especially in today's culture.
Overcoming Fear
Small children often accept the disabilities of others more easily than do adults. Johnnie stepped into the cold shower of reality once he left public school and entered adulthood. Where kids asked questions, adults openly showed their disdain.
The Power of Empathy
Walk a mile in Johnnie's shoes? Big deal. Try rolling a mile in his wheelchair. No one can perfectly understand what's going on in another person's life. We all have our own filters, experiences, perceptions. Learning to be empathic helps enrich all kinds of relationships.
The Power of Encouragement
Who doesn't need a "well done," once in awhile. Criticism of the negative kind damages the spirit. When Johnnie's mom said, "I believe in you. We're going to make a miracle happen today," she empowered her son to be successful.
A Time to Challenge and a Time for Acceptance
Johnnie's dream was to play high school football. After all, he did play grade-school football. But when it came time for him to be a lineman for the high school team, he was told he had to remain on the sidelines. The disappointment was overwhelming. Hard lessons often bring about solid character—foundational stones upon which people build their lives. But first, they have to learn when to challenge life and when to accept it.
Run the Good Race
He didn't come in first, second or even third. But Johnnie completed the 10K race around Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. And he finished it as he started it—on crutches. It was something he wanted to do—an accomplishment that meant weeks of training and discipline. He did it—not to win, but to finish.
