TROY – Three people with disabilities shared their views on life and making a difference in the lives of those around them Thursday at Troy University’s 11th Annual Helen Keller Lecture.

Themed “Overcoming Life’s Challenges,” the lecture was conducted in the Claudia Crosby Theater at 10 a.m. About 300 people attended the lecture.

Don Hackney, former athletic director at the Alabama School for the Deaf, Tara Blackwell, current student and former Lady Trojan Softball player, and Donovan Beitel, an adult student TROY, shared their personal stories and views on disabilities in a discussion led by moderator WSFA News Anchor Tonya Terry.

Five years ago, Hackney – a marathon runner who coached AIDB teams to 12 national championships -- injured his spinal chord after falling off a ladder in his back yard.

“Most people remember Sept. 11. I remember June 11,” said Hackney

Blackwell was in Nashville with her teammates in April 2005 when she turned a back flip and landed on her head, causing spinal chord injuries.

Beitel was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease at age 9. The disease has left him legally blind.

Stargardt’s Disease is so rare that only one in 10,000 people are diagnosed with it, he said.

“I guess I could’ve won the lottery instead,” Beitel joked.

Terry questioned the initial reaction the three had when first faced with their disabilities.

“I was mad at myself, but I decided that I wasn’t going to settle. I would walk again,” said Blackwell, who has undergone extensive rehabilitation and therapy in Atlanta, Ga., near her home in Pensacola and at TROY’s athletic training and sports medicine center.

Hackney said that he realized he had to move forward with his life.

“I had a pity party for myself for 10 minutes, and I was the only one who showed up,” he said.

All three speakers said they have gained support from their families to help overcome the obstacles of their specific impairments.

Beitel explained that his wife plays a vital role in his condition because she must drive him wherever he needs to go.

“The kids really don’t like to ride with me that much,” Beitel teased.

The speakers agreed that their faith in God has helped them through the low points of their conditions.

Hackney also said that as a former coach for children with special needs, he could not sulk about his condition.

“Everything I would’ve said to them would’ve been a sham,” he explained.

Blackwell said she is positive that God has a plan in using her disability to reach others.

“Everything happens for a reason,” she said.

The audience was welcomed by Don Jeffrey, dean of the College of Health and Human Services, and introductions were made by Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr.

Following introductions, a vocal trio from the Helen Keller School of the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, known as “The B-Boys,” entertained the audience with several songs.

The Helen Keller lecture is designed to promote awareness of people who excel in their chosen fields despite physical limitations. The lecture is sponsored by Troy University, the Alabama Department of Education, the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services and The Helen Keller Foundation for Research and Education. Others who have presented the lecture include Erik Weihenmayer, the first person who is blind to climb Mt. Everest; Heather Whitestone, the first Miss America with a disability; and former U.S. Sen. Howell Heflin, a friend of the Keller family.

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