"Our next focus will be developing the social infrastructure for community for supporting us, for keeping us safe, for informing us, for civic engagement, and for inclusion for all".
But the direction legislation has taken in other countries shows that the sympathy we disabled people evoke can be used to justify support for us to kill ourselves while non-disabled people are told they have "everything to live for".
The challenges ahead were spelled out by Cuban president Raúl Castro, who expressed his country's appreciation for the pope's support for US-Cuban dialogue, but said the re-establishment of relations should only be considered a first step.
But he revealed he knew nothing about crucial last-minute changes to advice over the invasion's legality or the private assurances given by Mr Blair to President George Bush about Britain's support for US-led military action.
Nato's secretary-general, George Robertson, also tried to play down the rift, insisting that there was no row within the military alliance over providing logistical and other support for US-led action against Iraq.
"Many companies have expressed support for US staying in the Paris agreement, more are working with municipalities across the US, so there is a lot of activity," he said.
Historically, US support for authoritarian regimes does not end until the US public demands it.
Both David and Stephen declared their support for us.
"But in terms of the support for us politically?
"That's the only moral support for us now".
