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.
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.
I’m not going to justify the life of a person with Down syndrome, explaining chromosomes and how they give back to the community, and I promise to never ask you to explain or defend your child’s existence either. All I’m going to ask is for you to consider the possibility that raising a child with a disability is mostly about simply raising a child.
There is no greater gift you can give this World Down Syndrome Day than to consider whether you have room to shift your perspective on what makes a person valuable and what you or your family can do with this privilege.
In the spirit of virtual advocacy, this year we accepted the new NDSS 32.1-mile challenge, which kicks off tomorrow and runs for three weeks. Matt will be rowing his way to 32.1 miles and I’ll be on our Peloton bike, riding under the #Racingfor321 tag. (If you’re on Peloton, please join us!!!)