Earlier this month, many of us with or without disabilities were saddened and horrified by the hate crime that involved torturing a young man with an intellectual disability in Chicago. Two leading nationwide disability organizations, the National Down Syndrome Society and Special Olympics, put forward powerful statements to denounce this event.
https://medium.com/@NDSS/a-clarion-call-for-action-e34573fd545b#.ytg1gjqfw
Read MoreThere is almost a direct relationship between the quality of life that people have and the actions or inactions that take place in public policy, particularly for the disability community. More specifically, as in my case, public policy for those with an intellectual disability is critical to our wellbeing because this minority was, until quite recently, overlooked and under appreciated by society at large which leads to a lack of legislative support. In my struggle to realize my full potential, and the potential of many others in the intellectual disability community, I took seriously the position and status granted by my selection to serve as the first fellow with an intellectual disability in order to help better the lives of many.
Read MoreMy dream has always been to do something special for those of us with intellectual disabilities. As President Kennedy said, “Do not ask what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” I see my new role as a JP Kennedy Fellow as part of what I can do.
Read MoreDave Lenox, VP of Athlete Leadership Programs (ALP) at Special Olympics Inc (SOI), asked me last year at the SOI international Regional Director’s meeting to suggest measurable interventions to reinvigorate ALP.
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