1. Are There Wheelchairs in Heaven:
ADA Trainer Network
Module 2h
Are There Wheelchairs in Heaven:
A different perspective on disability
 Important: Please clearly state that the purpose of this clip is NOT to question participants’ religious beliefs
The purpose of this audio clip is to present the idea that disability does not always mean limitation. Ben Mattlin eloquently challenges the assumption that people with disabilities always want to escape their disability. He puts forth the idea that the disability can be a part of “who you are.”
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2. Disclaimer
Information, materials, and/or technical assistance are intended solely as informal guidance, and are neither a determination of your legal rights or responsibilities under the ADA, nor binding on any agency with enforcement responsibility under the ADA. The Northeast ADA Center is authorized by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) to provide information, materials, and technical assistance to individuals and entities that are covered by the ADA. The contents of this document were developed under a grant from the Department of Education, NIDRR grant number H133 A However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

3. “Are There Wheelchairs in Heaven?”
Ben Mattlin
NPR Morning Edition
December 7, 2005
This brief audio clip is used with permission by Ben Mattlin, a writer, father and person with a disability who lives in Los Angeles. To find out more about him, go to
Have a few copies of the transcript available in case there are participants who are deaf or who would find it helpful to read instead of or in addition to listening to the audio recording. See the transcript in this guide.
Note: Give participants a minute or two to reflect on what they have heard.
After playing the audio clip, ask participants:
What words or phrases did you hear?
How do Mr. Mattlin’s comments differ from other perspectives you have heard about living with a disability?

4. Employment and Disability Institute
Northeast ADA Center
Employment and Disability Institute
Cornell University
Dolgen Hall Room 201
Ithaca, New York
Toll-Free : (NY, NJ, PR, USVI)
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The contents of this presentation were developed under a grant from the Department of Education, NIDRR grant number H133 A However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
National Network: Please insert your center’s contact information on this slide.
Conclude by reminding participants that the training materials were produced by the Northeast ADA Center in collaboration with the National ADA Network. Remind them of the free and confidential technical assistance and other services available from your local ADA Center and from the ADA Centers throughout the country.