Can I Have This Dance?

Talk about heartwarming. This one makes your chest sweat. And it reminded me of several important things:

1. Kids just want to be "normal." Many teenagers want to go to their school dances, even if they can't "cut the rug" like the rest of the gang. They want someone to ask them on a date, or accept their invitation. They just want to participate and make special memories.

2. Siblings of kids with special needs "get it." JT Thomas understood Joslyn Lovell before they even shared a conversation. He has watched his brother grow up and struggle. He has empathy and a different perspective. He is a better person for it.

3. There is good news in this world, we just have to look harder for it. Most of the news stories surrounding this year's prom season centered around drinking and driving. This one got buried, but it's worth digging deeper to have your heart warmed.

Rolling Protest

Most people don't choose to be disabled. And not many pretend to be just so they can receive government benefits. In my experience, the vast majority of people with disabilities want to contribute to society and lead full and independent lives. It's just harder for them. And, as one participant of last week's London march put it, "Life is more expensive for them, too." Amen.

Governments in the UK and US need to carefully and cautiously monitor the funds they provide to assist people with disabilities, not cut them.

Kudos to the brave people who turned out last week in London. While it wasn't as beautiful as the royal wedding, it certainly is newsworthy and hopefully impactful, too.

Is This Progress?

32 acres acquired for Jacksonville community for special-needs adults | jacksonville.com

Some call it a much-needed "true" community for people with disabilities. Others see it as a major step backwards on the road to full inclusion. From my perspective, this may be a wonderful lifestyle option for people who want independence, but are limited in terms of physical or intellectual capabilities. We've always assumed, because of his disabilities, our son will need to live in an urban environment with easy access to public transportation, entertainment, work opportunities and social activities that he enjoys. This might be a high rise apartment that he shares with a few other young men. But it could also be a planned living development that works hard to create a sense of community for its residents and the people who care about them. If we've figured out a way to provide for the needs of our aging population in this way, why not take a closer look at how such a "center-based" approach might benefit people with disabilities? If someone can live on their own, great. But if they need services and resources that are more cost-effective when shared, or if they're social and fearful of being marginalized in a group home or shared apartment -- well, this may be the living arrangement of their dreams. Choice is the key for so many of life's challenges: religion, public education, affordable health care. Shouldn't we consider this possible choice, as well????