Disability No Block to this Graduate!

Jasmine Bethea may have been born with a disability but that did not stop her from graduating this week. She has proven her doctors and everyone else wrong, not only graduating - but doing so with honors. Jasmine's doctors had told her mother Lorraine to put her in an institution and go on with her life.

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Jasmine Bethea may have been born with a disability, one where she was told she would not even be able to learn, but that did not stop her from graduating this week.

She has proven her doctors and everyone else wrong, not only graduating - but doing so with honors. Jasmine's doctors had told her mother Lorraine to put her in an institution and go on with her life.

Jasmine was born with Cerebral Palsy.

Her mother refused to just, 'give up,' on her daughter, and with her mother's love Jasmine flourished.

Jasmine is unable to speak, but she sure can learn.

She uses a power chair to get around, and has mastered the use of a computer through a keyboard that has a device enabling her to tap the keys.

She completed the twelfth grade.

Sherilyn Yearty, Jasmine's teacher, said:

"She has just been amazing. I may have been the teacher, but she's been a teacher. She's taught me all kinds of things."

Jasmine has also been involved with the Junior ROTC, earning a certificate for an essay she wrote. Lt. Colonel Justin Blum stated that he has read thousands of essays over a period of years, but when he read Jasmine's he had a lump in his throat and a tear in his eye.

Jasmine's mother is absolutely glowing with pride over her daughter's accomplishments.

Jasmine herself wants to continue on to college, something I truly hope she pursues. Such talent and skill should not go to waste. She wants to become a motivational speaker.

How many times have I heard stories of doctors and other medical professionals telling parents they should give up on their children with disabilities?

The medical field really does need to stop this practice and re-evaluate their perspectives in relation to persons with disabilities. While doctors and medical professionals continue telling parents to give up on their children with disabilities, these very same children continue to surprise them.

Parents like Lorraine continue to beam with joy and pride in the accomplishments their children achieve. Jasmine is someone who will continue to show the world that people with disabilities really are people first.

Don't ever doubt us, we are capable of very great things indeed.

Author Credentials: Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses earning a Masters, Bachelors and two Associate degrees, as well as pursing Disability Studies. As a CNA Thomas has providing care for people with all forms of disabilities. Explore Thomas' complete biography for comprehensive insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.