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Hello everyone! My name is Karen Lynn. I was born a healthy baby on March 9, 1951 to two wonderful people named Rubin and Kate Hershkowitz. The heavens above must have known where to place me; as I could not have asked for two more loving people to be my parents. I came home to a house, full of warmth, love, and affection. life had many surprises in store for me! Heartbreaks ensued - my sister’s illness, my father’s injuries, and then the shot! At the delicate age of 5 months old I became paralyzed after receiving a DPT injection. This was the reason I fell into a deep coma. Sadly, I would stay asleep for 10 days, be given only a 30% chance to live. But thankfully I made a near complete recovery and my twisted face lit up with joy again. By 18 months of age I was left with left-side hemiplegia, Cerebral Palsy.
Then, began the long road of exercises ahead-
Out of all this, came a life altering blessing - my mother came across a dance studio and inquired about it. Soon thereafter, I began taking tap lessons from Al Gilbert the pipe piper of dance. He was an angel in disguise- He enveloped my being and understood my real potential. He had the courage to deify medical orthodoxy. And he unconditionally opened his heart and soul with love and dedication to me, teaching me how to hop, skip, jump, and run; but most importantly, he taught me how to DANCE!
Soon, I was taking part in my first dance recital, sharing the stage alone with my beloved teacher. The process was not always easy but Al, made me feel comfortable. He help built my trust, and empowered me to believe in myself. Three years later, I was asked in the spring of 1957 to be the Easter Seals Poster Child. This was my chance to shine in front of the world. This was my special moment and I embraced every moment and all the memories.
Life continued with me taking swimming lessons, dance lessons, tutoring lesson, special education classes, and even trying to learn the piano for Al. I was always doing some form of therapy, some how. There was never a dull moment or much time to rest. However, all my efforts soon paid off. On one most event day, I went to clinic where I was told by the doctors that I could hang up my brace forever! This was such a special moment because it showed me that all of my unrelenting hard work and efforts were paying off!
But at the same time, my life was full of struggle and trauma. Within 6 months my grandfather and father passed away. I was 14 years old. Profound as this was it got worse. I was alienated from many of my peers because I desired to be included in mainstream society. This was not popular. I also refused to settle for the sheltered life which was all I was thought capable of. When I was 17 years old, in one of these workshops, my mother called me with sad, sad news. I was told that my cousin had died in the Vietnam War.
Then, my mother and I discovered the California State Department of Rehabilitation where after my initial visit and batteries of tests, I was labeled Borderline Mentally Retarded. Despite what they said, I continued to courageously move forward and by their suggestion I was sent to work in a workshop. For more than 6 months I folded boxes and used a ceiling wax machine. This proved so useless, that I forced myself to spend years writing to officials from the president on down.
I found in myself an assertiveness and boldness I never had before. I spoke up for myself in ways I never thought possible which is an aspect of me that has became an essential part of my character.
When I was 24 years old, I decided to return to the California State Department of Rehabilitation to seek help for college education to pursue a degree in the field of recreation. It seemed like a reasonable goal. However, again the discrimination began and it was a never-ending battle to explain my needs and wants to them – it was supposed to be an organization that is supportive for those who have impairments and disabilities. I knew in my heart, that I would have to make my own way in the world– t
The California State Department of Rehabilitation; proved to be an obstacle rather than a help. After two more repetitions of the same IQ test, I took matters into my own hands. I found myself taking on the biggest challenge of my adult life. The discrimination continued. I knew I had to do something; I knew I had rights and I was going to succeed in life! But they refused to listen. I did not know that I was about to become a pioneer in the disabled rights movement. I had no idea that no other disabled person before me had tried to take on the system and stand up for their civil rights. I knew I had to make a place for myself in the world and in a society that wouldn’t help me. I sought legal advice and brought about a law suit against the California State Department of Rehabilitation. This became the first Civil Rights Case under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In 1979, I proudly won my case!
I  was then able to start my education in a junior college 1980. The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) found the California State Department of Rehabilitation in direct violation of unjustly denying my civil rights to obtain education due to my learning disability. After being in college for several years, I graduated in 1985 with honors. The highlight of my college career was winning 2nd place in the Kaleidoscope Literary Arts Magazine, International Prose Fiction Art Contest.
However, I was subjected to more disappointment when I was unable to continue my education and obtain a Bachelors or Masters Degree in Dance as I had planned. I was once again being labeled and discriminated against.
Regardless, I never gave up on myself or my dreams. I achieved many of my goals. I have worked for many well-known organizations where I have taught dance, recreation, independent living skills, and was a team leader in the development of innovative programs for clients; I also worked for well-known organizations for individuals with Cerebral Palsy.
Despite all these obstacles, I still became an aerobics teacher and I continue to teach today. I have had the  pleasure and honored to sit in leadership positions. My story (The Broken Hoof) has been published and I continue to share my story on a one-one with others. Since 2000, I have addressed many audiences including students at Kern University, VSA ARTS, realhealth TV, KNBC News, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and as well as my Alma Mater in Los Angeles.
I am overwhelmed by my accomplishments and achievements. All I did was stand up for me and my right. I worked tirelessly to stop the negativity and detrimental effects of being called mentally retarded and not being given the same rights as a so-called “normal person.”
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