The Lawrence County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Tri-State Industries do so much to ensure the county’s physically and mentally disabled population has the same advantages as everyone else — from a proper education, life skills and employment.

Those agencies also ensure their developmentally disabled clients have the same opportunities to shine in the community through events like the Special Olympics, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month activities and other special events throughout the year.

Unfortunately, some people still underestimate the impact these residents can have on the community.

Recently, one young autistic man reminded us all that, disability or not, anyone can step up and do the right thing when help is needed.

Aaron Cahal, of South Point, heard a man screaming for help after his small child fell into a pool and was thought to have drowned.

Cahal is non-verbal, but that didn’t stop him from trying to alert police in the best way he could — sending messages and photos of the area through social media.

And it wasn’t long before police and emergency responders were on the scene, performing CPR, which revived the child.

Since Cahal’s act of heroism, his story has been shared throughout the Tri-State, the country and other parts of the world.

What a great message for one of Lawrence County’s own to spread throughout the world — that no matter your disability, you can still make a positive difference. You can even save lives.