Summary of The Future is Now: A Zest for Living a speech by Dr. Walter F. Stromer

Summary:

 The Future is Now: A Zest for Living

- Dr. Walter F. Stromer

Zest: Energy/Enthusiasm

“The Future is Now: A Zest for Living” is a speech by Dr. Walter F. Stromer, a visually impaired professor of speech communication at Cornell College. In the speech, Dr. Stromer talks about the importance of living in the present moment and having a zest for life, regardless of one's circumstances. He also addresses the challenges faced by people with disabilities and offers some suggestions for how they can overcome these challenges and live fulfilling lives.

Dr. Stromer begins by talking about how people with disabilities have been treated throughout history. He notes that they have often been viewed as inferior and have been denied opportunities to participate fully in society. He notes that the Greeks used to put defective babies in clay jars beside the road and let them die. In more recent times, people with disabilities have often been segregated from society and denied opportunities. However, Dr. Stromer believes that this is starting to change. He says that there is now a growing awareness of the abilities of people with disabilities, and that they are increasingly being given the chance to participate fully in society.

However, he also points out that there have been many advances in recent years in terms of the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. He points to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, which prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, education, and public accommodations. He also notes the increasing availability of assistive technology, which has made it possible for people with disabilities to live more independent lives.

Stromer then turns to the challenges facing people with disabilities. He acknowledges that there are still many barriers that need to be overcome, such as lack of accessible transportation, employment discrimination, and social isolation. However, he argues that these challenges can be overcome with determination and a positive attitude.

Dr. Stromer then talks about his own experience as a blind person. He says that he has learned to live a full and happy life despite his disability. He attributes this to his positive attitude and his willingness to embrace new challenges. He also emphasises the importance of having a strong support system of family and friends.

Dr. Stromer concludes his speech by offering some suggestions for how people with disabilities can overcome the challenges they face and live fulfilling lives. He encourages them to set goals, be independent, and never give up on their dreams. He also reminds them that they are not alone and that there are many resources available to help them.

Dr. Stromer's speech is an inspiring and uplifting message for anyone who has ever faced challenges in their life. It is a reminder that we should never let our circumstances define us and that we can all achieve great things if we set our minds to it.

Some key points from Dr. Stromer's speech are:

•   The future is now. Don't wait for tomorrow to start living your life to the fullest.

•   The past is important, but the most important thing is to live in the present moment.

•   Have a zest for life. Be positive and enthusiastic about what the future holds.

•   Don't let your disability define you. Focus on your abilities and what you can do, not on what you can't do.

•   Set goals and work towards them. Don't give up on your dreams.

•   Be independent. Don't let your disability hold you back from living a full and active life.

•   Build a strong support system. Surround yourself with people who love and support you.

•   The past treatment of people with disabilities has been poor, but things are starting to change.

•   People with disabilities can have a zest for living and can overcome the challenges they face.

•   Independence and self-reliance are important for people with disabilities.

•   People with disabilities should set goals and pursue their dreams.

Dr. Stromer's speech is a reminder that we all have the power to create a better future for ourselves, regardless of our circumstances. If we have a positive attitude, a zest for life, and the determination to succeed, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.

The essay is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the challenges and opportunities faced by people with disabilities. It is also a source of inspiration for anyone who has ever felt limited by their circumstances.