HELPING OTHERS: LOCAL PEOPLE RECOGNIZED

Eight-year-old Ryan Miller learned to ride his bicycle last summer, an accomplishment for any youngster.

It was especially so for Ryan: He has cerebral palsy.

Ryan's parents, Tommy and Sonya Miller of Scott City, want Ryan to have a normal childhood and want to help other parents through the complications that come with parenting a disabled child.

For their work the Millers were named Parents of the Year by the Missouri Governor's Council on Disability. In addition, Cape Girardeau businessman Don E. Osborne was honored as a Good Neighbor for his work with a disabled employee and with VIP Industries.

The honors were presented Sunday in St. Louis. Karen Wynn, a medical social worker at Perry County Memorial Hospital in Perryville, nominated both. Wynn said both honors were well deserved.

Sonya Miller said they were shocked when they learned of the honor. "We've taken a lot of time to learn and read, so why not pass it along and share what we've learned and know?" she said.

The Millers organized a weekend recreational program for children with disabilities. The youngsters play soccer, kickball and T-ball. Parents help. Children run with their walkers, and they have fun.

Sonya Miller said the league was developed because many children with disabilities didn't have a chance to participate in organized sports.

The Millers also help other parents negotiate the system when it comes to getting service for disabled children. "We get a lot of phone calls from parents who find out their children have a disability," she said.

They try to offer answers. Parents meet at their home. Sometimes Tommy Miller accompanies parents to meetings and conferences.

The couple learned of a specialist in speed reading, Dr. Vearl G. McBride, and are helping bring him to Scott City in February. The doctor will be there 10 days to teach parents techniques that will improve reading skills for anyone, but especially for children with disabilities.

The Millers also have a 5-year-old daughter, Myriah.

Don Osborne has given years of support to the disabled through VIP Industries. He finds other ways to help through his business, Osborne Office Equipment.

Recently, a salesman for the company, Ken Gleason, suffered a stroke. While recovering, Osborne kept him on the payroll and kept up his insurance. When it was clear that Gleason wouldn't be able to return full time, Osborne helped him through the process of disability determination.

Gleason still goes to the office a few times a week. "We go out and call on customers," Osborne said. "He is still functional. He has a good approach to customers, and they trust his judgment."

Serving as a board member for VIP Industries, Osborne has helped clients manage their finances and helped secure funding for several apartment complexes built for handicapped people.

"I had a son myself who was handicapped," Osborne said. "He passed away six years ago, but I'm always thankful. I try to make good use of my abilities and help others where they have shortcomings."