Blog hop time! Hopping with the wonderful bloggers at the International Alliance of Writers for Down Syndrome. We’re offering up a truth, a tip, and a picture. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen to see the other writers participating in the hop!
A Truth:
There is a need – a deep need – for advocacy. I know it’s not for everyone, and it is definitely intimidating, but that doesn’t negate the need. We need to hear all voices, all viewpoints, all needs. I can advocate based on what I know from my experience with Rowenna, but that’s a very narrow slice of what it means to raise a child with Down syndrome, and a narrow view on what kind of supports (natural and paid) enhance her life.
Pick up a pen, dial your elected officials, type out an email. Make your voice heard.
A Tip:
Meet people in the Disability Community but outside the Down syndrome community. Trust me, the people you meet will be pretty fantastic. I was doing an ok job advocating on my own, but after meeting a dedicated, spirited, and diverse group of advocates in my state, I feel empowered and ready to move mountains. I do not live their lives, but I have a small understanding of their triumphs and challenges, and it has helped me to better understand where disability advocacy has been, where it is now, and where it’s going. (Somewhere pretty fantastic, I must say!)
We bounce ideas off of each other and cheer each other on. Sometimes it seems like the Ds community is so insular, or like we’re doing everything on our own. I promise you, we’re not alone. We are part of a large, diverse, and pretty amazing community that is doing big things and having the big conversations we’re having. Join in!
A Picture:
Just for fun, a pic of Rowenna and I.
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