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While Dean has no choice but to live with his disability, he has never allowed it to become a liability. Nor does he want it to be an asset. 'People with disabilities are too often either ignored, or given way too much attention.' he said. You start to doubt yourself...you wonder, do I really have what it takes? Rowing is based on merit. It is extremely empirical. You know if the boat goes faster.

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— Dean, Blind para-Olympic rower, On adversity