Jul 20, 2021

Statement from Ben Yerxa, PhD, about Paralympian Becca Meyers

Foundation News

The Foundation believes that all people with disabilities should receive the accommodations necessary for their inclusion in all facets of society, especially when an individual may be unfamiliar with the area.

Statement from Ben Yerxa, PhD, about Paralympian Becca Meyers

The Foundation Fighting Blindness is disappointed that Becca Meyers, an accomplished swimmer who is deaf-blind from a genetic condition called Usher syndrome, had to withdraw from the Tokyo Paralympic Games, because authorities would not allow her Personal Care Assistant (who is also her mother) to accompany her to the Games to provide help in navigating the grounds due to increased COVID restrictions. The Foundation believes that all people with disabilities should receive the accommodations necessary for their inclusion in all facets of society, especially when an individual may be unfamiliar with the area. The fact that authorities for a global event specifically for people with disabilities made a decision to not accommodate Ms. Meyer's essential needs is insensitive and unacceptable.