News : \'Handicap This:\' IBSSS families hear from cerebral palsy patient, caregiver

Mike Berkson worked his way through college, with honors.

Yet, when people see him, they often think he's invalid because of his appearance.

"They let my wheelchair define me," Berkson told an audience of about 75 people last weekend at the Iowa Braille School family weekend.

Twenty-six Iowa families with children with vision loss and/or other disabilities attended last weekend's event on the IBSSS campus.

On Saturday evening, the families gathered in the auditorium to hear "Handicap This,"' the presentation by Berkson and his care-giver, Tim Wambach.

With humor, the two described their journey together.

Born with cerebral palsy, Berkson has a twin brother who is not handicapped.

"I didn't realize how different I was until I went to school," he said.

In 2001, Berkson met Wambach, who became his caregiver and accompanied him to school every day. .

A few years later, Wambach ran from Orlando to Chicago to raise awareness of special needs individuals. That led to more speaking engagements and eventually to a total audience of more than 50,000 who heard their story.

The pair shared many anecdotes, including the first time Wambach tired to feed Berkson -- at a Taco Bell. The audience laughed as Wamback placed sticky notes all over Berkson's clothing, representing the mess made by taco sauce.

The pair seeks to encourage families with disabilities, while also helping those without handicaps to have a better understanding of the needs and challenges of those who cannot walk or see.

See more about Handicap This HERE.