When you don’t have a child with a disability you don’t think too much about it. Until your life is touched by then you think about it differently, it’s personal

Of course everyone knows there are individuals with disabilities, but it’s not directly affecting your life. There is not much you can do anyways.

That is where you are wrong. We need to stand and advocate for everyone, especially those who are vulnerable.

March is disability awareness month. I am proud to say in Massachusetts the governor declared March developmental and intellectual disability month.
This shines a light on these types of disabilities. It brings awareness and starts conversations.

We have come a long way in the way we treat and think about those with disabilities. There is still a long way to go.

Passing judgements, staring and comments need to be a thing of the past. Instead try a smile, or a kind word.

Those with disabilities are often viewed as less than.

I can assure you my daughter is not less than anything

Her smile is bigger, brighter

Her observations deeper, more detailed

Her innocence knows no bounds

Her love is pure and when she loves it’s big, and with her whole heart.

To know her is a privilege, to be let in is a blessing.

You will be a better person and she will open up your heart simply by being around her.

She is different yes but not less.

She is deserving of everything life has to offer and more.

To know her is to love her and it’s as simple as that.

She is one person with a disability.

There are so many more and they all have so much to offer. It may not be in the way you are accustomed to but in many ways it’s better.

“All people are inherently valuable.”

They have their challenges as we all do and they need assistance but it goes beyond that.

They need protection, they are vulnerable to neglect and abuse. Many like my daughter are innocent and can easily be victims.
They have to fight for basic rights or have someone do it for them.

“All people are inherently valuable”

Every single person

They need kindness and respect,

They need love and compassion,

They need opportunities and experiences,

They need purpose and above all they need to be seen.

Now that you know better, do better

Ask ask questions, practice inclusion

Don’t look away, smile

Learn

Acknowledge

Although my daughter is vulnerable she is a warrior. She has fought for everything she is today. I am proud to stand beside her. She has changed and made me a better person.

autism #fcvblogsquad #disabilityawareness