Advocacy
ADVOCACY GOALS: BUILDING BRIDGES
We’ve seen the looks. We’ve heard the comments. We’ve witnessed the pity as you have compared our child to yours.
And released a sigh of gratitude.
At times it seems as though there is not a line drawn, but a wall built, between us.
Between those of us whose children are labeled as disabled, and yours.
But we are no longer content to stay on our side of the wall.
We grow tired of school districts that insist any child with a diagnosis should not be allowed in classrooms with typical students.
Of insurance companies that demand we pay the same premiums, but then deny services based on misconceptions of what our children will one day be able to achieve.
Because hearts break as our children are left on the sidelines watching their peers pass them by, forgotten and uninvited.
We understand that many of you are at a loss of how to include a child with special needs. You don’t know what to say, or what to do.
We recognize that unknown and fear are often synonyms.
We hope that you will ask questions. Take a chance. Be open to what is deemed different.
We promise to meet you half way. It’s the least we can do.
Together we can bridge gaps and open hearts.
{ 1 trackback }
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks so much for sharing your story. I have two cousins with Downs. I have been able to experience many things that most people don’t. I have realized that they are so much like other “normal” kids whatever normal is. They enjoy the same things that other kids their age do. I have found that many kids follow their parents lead, if the parents are standoffish around a person than they will be. If the parents react the same toward Downs children as they do any other than so will the children. Another problem is that people in their 20s and 30s are really the first generation to grow up with Downs kids. When my now 26 year old cousin was born his parents were encouraged to put him in a facility to which they refused. So, relatively speaking we as a society and as school systems are still trying to figure things out. There has been much progress made, but we still have a long way to go. My one aunt fought the school system for a long time to get my cousin into certain classes. One way she was able to do this was by becoming an aide and going back to school for training with these special individuals. Some disticts have made more progress than others. There are also some wonderful programs out there now. My one cousin was able to learn how to ride on the buses and go to some Job and living classes where they set him up with a job and taught him basic life skills. He absolutely loved it and it also taught the people that he worked with more about individuals with Downs. Good luck on your journey.
Thank you so much for writting this post. Your words are so moving!
Beautifully said. I have felt so many of the same things even though my story is different than yours. It is so great to come across others who just “get it”. Have a happy thanksgiving!
Taryn Skees
Read more about our son Aiden’s journey at http://www.theskeesfamily.com!
My son a different special need…and I share his story on the blog.. not only does he have a medical condition he has intellectual disabilities. I work in this field as a professional with adults…thanks for sharing!
Great website, good luck. Remember, for all the hardship and tough times, just look at their smile. Also, I see how hard my son to accomplish anything, I have no problems. Good Luck, Take care of yourself so you can help your loved one. Just dad
Thank-you for expressing so well what many of us are feeling.