Through group discussions with my Sunday school class, we highlighted the importance of managing fears and recognizing that frightening situations can end in comfort and resolution. With the 2024 presidential election now behind us, I’ve paralleled these lessons to personal concerns about threats aimed at students and families with disabilities who rely on state and federal funding.
Turns out that on this incredible 30th Buddy Walk anniversary, alongside a few other families, we are being invited on stage and we would love you to be a part of our story!
The article discusses World Down Syndrome Day, highlighting federal and local advocacy efforts. A mother and daughter lobbied on Capitol Hill for legislative priorities. Local activities included creating self-portraits at an art studio and encountering resistance in schools. The community grows stronger each year, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of children with Down syndrome.
Three years later, Hope was in preschool for the first time and distributing cards to her new classmates. And with that, the Valentine’s Day cycle began another revolution, passing on from my childhood to hers, the cards and the candy, the hugs and the kisses. One day will come the boys and the roses and the candlelit dinners. And with every beat of her miraculous heart, the love. Always, always, the love.
The benefits of equine therapy are vast. Both children are deepening their respect and compassion for another living creature, as well as building confidence and self-esteem for their bravery and strength.
First, I owe you this disclaimer: I don’t know much about fashion. I’m more the Andy than the Emily from The Devil Wears Prada, and most of my socks are from CVS. But over the past 8 years I have been immersed in disability, and what I will say with great confidence is that the world is becoming more accessible one strip of Velcro at a time.
Thanks to your generous contributions last year, your continued enthusiasm in supporting Hope in energy and spirit, and your commitment to maintaining the forward momentum of the Down syndrome community, Hope’s sweet, goofy smile will briefly and surreally be on display in a slideshow airing on the Jumbotron on September 9th!
We cannot segregate children like Hope away and pretend that it’s for their own good. We cannot force these children into a mold, but we must instead build a support system around each of their unique shapes. This was always the intention behind governmental disability protections, but our systems are falling far short of what our loved ones deserve.
Raising Hope has changed the course of my life, and while that shift was just beginning, along came Henry with a special story all his own. There was no time to really think about why we were doing what we were doing or how we were doing what we were doing. We just did what needed to be done…
I know it’s not realistic to support every cause, every time an awareness day or month pops up on the calendar, which is why INCLUSIVITY is the single most important mindset we can foster to make the work of caring for all people as streamlined as possible, without sacrificing the energy we reserve for our loved ones.