I Will Never
Something happened to me today that reminded me of what it felt like to be 16. That was the age that I realized some of my friends had what was considered to be intellectual or developmental disabled (I/DD). I was raised with a family that believed in inclusivity. Everyone was treated the same regardless of their ability or disability. Let me be clear that I was not always the able-bodied one. No one is perfect. In many instances I my skills ebbed and flowed like the tide, much like my I/DD friends.
Life was normal before I was 16 and realized that my friends were different than me. Everything was good. In fact, I'd say it was great. Then one day I cam home from an activity crying. So sad that I had seen one of my friends treated differently than others. My Mom had to explain to me and remind me that my friend was indeed different and how that causes different responses from others.Â
I became infuriated and maybe that is why I do what I do today. Maybe that is why while I was working on my masters degree I realized that I/DD adults deserve just as much attention as children stuck in the public education system and getting left behind midst "No Child Left Behind" (NCLB) legislation. It's all politics in the end, forced onto individuals with no choice but to deal with the repercussions of someone in Congress or the state legislature lobbying for changes in a bill. Someone who may have never stepped into a nursing home facility or had a family member with I/DD. This to me is wrong in so many ways.
No matter where I go or what I do I will ALWAYS defend the rights of the I/DD. I will NEVER stop behaving inclusively. No one can stop me and no one can tell me to act differently. I/DD individuals are intelligent, witty, creative, fun, innovative, and utterly amazing. They deserve the same human rights as you or I. Tell me otherwise and I will ALWAYS my friends first and then myself.Â