United States Paralympic World Record Holder Dennis Oehler recently visited fifth grade students at Lee Avenue Elementary School in Hicksville to discuss the importance of respecting and understanding disabled people.

Representing the United States in 1998 at the Seoul Korea games, Oehler received the world record for the 100-meter dash in 11.73 seconds. A professional amputee runner for 10 years, he has been talking to students about disabilities for nearly 14 years. Oehler told students the story of how he became disabled: During a rainstorm, his friend's car stalled. He got out of the car on the highway to push it to the side when two cars hit him. That accident caused him to lose the lower portion of his right leg, from his knee down. Oehler not only thought he wouldn't be able to walk again, but also never imagined winning an Olympic medal - let alone claming a world record.

"This is a very valuable program for our students and opens their eyes to respect and understanding," said Principal Geraldine Durso.

Oehler's goal with this program was for students to walk away with a new respect for disabled people. "I promise that after you leave this program it will be one of the best programs you see throughout your elementary years," he said. "And, I also promise that you will walk away and remember me for the rest of your life."

Posing such questions to students as "Do you feel sorry for disabled people or is it better to stare at someone who is disabled then ask questions?" Oehler wanted to help students understand why disabled people are not accepted by society. "It's ok to ask questions to disabled people," he told students.

Students had the chance to see Oehler at his best when he sprinted for students and showed them his special "running" leg as well as how to put it on and take it off.

"You can never be successful in life unless you care about people," Oehler said.

Oehler works with the Nassau (New York) County Office for the Physically Challenged and embarks on a schedule of motivational speaking engagements at schools and clinics teaching youngsters how to have a better understanding of the disabled. In addition to his world record at Seoul, Oehler also participated in the Barcelona and Atlanta Paralympics winning medals in running events and the long jump.

Although he is now retired from sports competition, Oehler continues to motivate able-bodied and disabled children and adults through his spirited presentations and fitness clinics in the United States and internationally. He enjoys teaching and instructing amputees on how to improve their lifestyle through goal setting, exercise and running.

The Paralympic Games are part and parcel of The Olympic Games and are held by the Olympic Host Country, following the Olympic Games. The Paralympics compete in the same venue and city as The Olympics. The Paralympic Games have established to bring elite challenged athletic competition to the forefront of public consciousness.