The concerns of our disabled community - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Henry Bateman is fighting for those living with a disability.He knows all to well about how hard it is being disabled.

"The original trauma. It was devastating. A whole new way of living," Bateman said.

An accident at the young age of 18, left Bateman wheelchair bound.

"I enjoy a lot the things most people do," he said.

His efforts along with about 30 others, in the Twin Cities Mayors' Committee of Disabilities, are splitting more than $16,000 this year among 11 students to further their education.

Now, the next step is to make every building in the state disability friendly.

"and you get into stores where a lot of merchandise is in the aisles, that's very difficult," Jimmie Allen said.

Allen is part of the team awarding people in the community who go above and beyond supporting the disabled. She gets around with the help of her mobility scooter.

For those in Allen's shoes depending on state or federal money for extra help, may have to wait a little longer with all the cuts, especially with Medicaid taking a hit.

"The ones in the most need get cut the deepest, Allen said."
      
"I'd like the legislators to understand the importance of these things but I know they have a job to balance the budget, just don't balance it all on my back," Bateman said.

Over the last ten years, the committee has spent more than $200,000 helping dozens of students foot the bill for a higher education.

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