Ask.
Share.
If you have children talk to them about people with disabilities or people that may be perceived as "different." Teach acceptance, not just tolerance.
If you have questions, ask. We often avoid the elephant in the room. My daughter has Down syndrome. I did not know much about Down syndrome before I had her. I still don't. BUT I know about her. (She is AMAZING:) I welcome questions. It gives me an opportunity to advocate for her and shatter some of the misconceptions that exist.
Share what you know. If you know me or my daughter, share our story. Talk about Down syndrome, talk about people that may have unique challenges to overcome..someone in a wheel chair, blind or with cerebral palsy...there are so many disabilities that exist. Share. Share. Share. The more comfortable we are with something that is not typical, the more typical it becomes.
Today is World Down Syndrome Day. There are children all over the world who are not loved, valued or cared for because they were born with Down syndrome. There are children all over the world who at birth, are sent to orphanages, because unlike the United States (although we still have much to do in this country) children and people with disabilities are disregarded. To write this hurts, but it also fuels me to speak out, to share, to spread the word. We can make this WORLD better. (If you want to help go to reecesrainbow.org and make a donation)
Take a stand.
My daughter is growing up. Help me make this world a better place for her and others. Help me spread the word.
Our life is so much better and so much more beautiful, because of her...
Andrea, you are truly an amazing woman and your daughters are so beautiful. Your marriage and family is so full of life. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing a great job!!!!!
love this....
ReplyDeletelove the pictures and the post - especially the picture of your whole family at the end! beautiful!
ReplyDelete