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This post contains a powerful example of how every life - without exception - has an impact on the world. Whether we realize it or not, simply by being born we change the course of history. No matter how long or short our time is on earth we have a profound effect from the moment of our conception until we take our final breath. As you will see, the impact of a human life can continue indefinitely.

A few weeks ago my wife was sitting in our living room going through some heirlooms she had been given which included an assortment of books and family Bibles. Recently she has been researching the life of her great, great grandfather, James McDowell. James was born in Ohio in 1842. He fought bravely for the Union in the Civil War. At the age of twenty, he was seriously wounded in the leg at the battle of Shiloh. When he returned from the war, he married Susannah McClelland, and they soon started a family. His first daughter was named Minerva. She was born with a developmental disability and she lived with her mother her entire life until her death at the age of 61. She was followed by four more daughters and a son. Tragically, in his later years, James became an alcoholic. At times he was homeless, and he eventually died in a facility for veterans in 1931.

As I worked in my office, my wife continued to spread books and documents around as she tried to compile an accurate account of James’ life. Suddenly I heard her begin to cry. I stepped into the living room and saw that she was looking at a large ragged family Bible. I sat down next to her, and she showed me what she had found. On the first page inside the fragile front cover was the outline of a tiny handprint. There was information written with it that stated this was the daughter of James and Susannah. Her name was Martha Jane. She was born February 13, 1875. She lived one month and two days.

With no other way to preserve their daughter’s memory, James and his wife had taken their dead infant’s hand and traced its outline. It was the only way they could show that she had ever lived.

I stared in silence at the faded image because it was difficult to truly grasp what we were looking at. This simple tracing of Martha’s right hand was the only tangible thing in the world that James and Susannah had to remember their child by. In this age of digital photography and video, when virtually every second of a baby’s existence can be captured forever, this desperate effort seemed hopelessly inadequate and yet the sketch had such power that you could not take your eyes off of it.

Martha had lived just 30 days. She was on this earth a little over 700 hours. And yet incredibly, almost 140 years later, this tiny human being’s life was still having an impact. The profoundly touching action that her parents took to hold on to her memory is startling in its tragic beauty. As you stare at the outline, with the words scratched inside it, you cannot help but wonder what that moment must have been like. I cannot begin to imagine the agony they felt as they made the heartrending effort to carefully draw around each of her tiny fingers. We do not know if she died suddenly or if she had been sick since birth. Her death may have been a complete shock or James and Susannah may have been resigned to the eventual outcome of their daughter’s fate.

Looking at this simple drawing forced us to ask questions that have no answers. Who would Martha have become? What would she have done with her life? What kind of person would she have been? Would she have taken care of Minerva? Would she have become a mother herself and faced similar trials and tribulations with her children? These things are unknowable. But if Martha had lived she would have turned eighty in 1955, the year my wife was born. Perhaps they would have had the opportunity to have their picture taken together. A photo that could stand the test of time would have shown a newborn being held lovingly by her great, great aunt.

My wife and I wondered what part the death of his little girl played in James’ decline. Since we cannot know for sure, we can only speculate. Perhaps he was haunted by her short time on earth. Perhaps he was forever changed by the horrors he experienced during the war. Perhaps the wound he received left him with a painful physical challenge. Perhaps all of these events combined to create an overwhelming sense of despair that James could not overcome. Unless other letters or documentation surface we will never be able to ascertain exactly what changed the course of his life. We only know that on March 15, 1875, a heartbroken mother and father delicately traced around the lifeless hand of their baby in a grief stricken desire to have a permanent physical reminder of their little girl.

Martha and her parents are proof that human beings create lasting legacies that can inspire and move people for decades and even centuries. Although she was denied the chance to live a long life, Martha’s brief existence does matter. The very fact that she was born had a traumatic effect at that time, and now it has affected the present. Because even though Martha’s life flickered for only a heartbreaking moment, her parents’ desperate effort to have some kind of remembrance of their daughter, has ensured that her influence is timeless. Martha’s faint handprint, carefully drawn after her last breath was taken, has touched people almost a century and a half later. Hopefully, others will now read about her and be moved by the power of this simple story about a mother and father’s love for the child who was only allowed to live through their memories.

The car pulls up to the curb and stops. The door opens and a young woman carefully steps out. Sometimes she requires assistance to do this but not today. As she starts to go inside her dad calls out that she forgot her lunch. Because of the brain damage that occurred during her birth it is often difficult for her to remember things, but her parents have always been there to help. She turns back, picks up her lunch kit, smiles at her dad and slowly walks into the Meadows.

Once inside, her first challenge is to look into the face recognition time clock. But because she is unsteady and has a slight tremor she has difficulty holding perfectly still, but eventually the clock recognizes her. She then makes the long walk down the hallway to her locker in the break room. Her halting gait causes her leg to ache, but as she painstakingly makes the trip she is greeted by other workers and staff and she momentarily forgets about her discomfort. She loves being acknowledged, and she happily engages in three conversations at once. Someone compliments her on what she is wearing, which makes her glad that she picked it out the night before.

As she enters the large break room the volume of conversations goes up. More than 40 people are spread out at various tables. Some are playing card games, some are working puzzle books and some are involved in deep conversations filled with the latest gossip or the eternal battle about whether OU or OSU has the better football team. When people see her there are several calls for her to join them at their respective tables. This means so much to her because when she was in school she often sat alone and people rarely spoke to her or included her in activities. Getting to spend the day with her friends is one of the many joys of her job.

After sitting and chatting for a few minutes the staff gives everyone their work assignments for the day. She is going to be in one of the sorting areas at the back of the building so it’s a long walk, but she doesn’t mind. After her group goes through their security check they head out. Almost everyone moves a little faster than she does, but she does her best to keep up and the staff patiently waits for her. Once she makes it back to the table where she’ll be sorting paper and other material she decides that she would like to work standing up for as long as she can. She knows that eventually she will need to sit, but for now she gets busy and doesn’t worry about her unsteadiness.

She knows that there are many people at the Meadows whose intellectual and physical challenges affect what tasks they can attempt and how fast they can perform them. Because she does not have the full use of one side of her body, she has learned how to compensate and make the most of her other motor skills. She is able to work steadily and for the most part she stays focused on what she is doing. She likes being dependable, and she does her best to follow staff directions.

Today she is sharing a sorting bin with another person who happens to work at a much quicker pace than she does, but she is not asked to speed up or to sort as fast as her coworker. No comparisons are made. Her level of productivity is just as important as the other person’s. In fact, because of the particular challenges she faces, she is actually making the greater effort and the staff is aware of that.

After an hour of standing, the pain in her leg worsens so she gets a chair and continues working while seated. The decision is not an issue, and no one pays any attention. It is simply something she needs to do. Whether she works while standing or sitting she is giving 100%, and that is all that matters. She is not evaluated on her physical ability but rather she is appreciated for her positive attitude.

Soon it’s time for her morning break and she has a good time talking about her favorite TV show with several friends. She has a snack and something to drink, and then it’s time to go back to work. But as she is walking to her sorting table her leg suddenly weakens, and she momentarily loses her balance. Fortunately at the last moment she steadies herself and does not fall. It makes her think of last year when the same thing happened in a restaurant parking lot, only that time she could not regain her balance, and she struck her knee on the payment and ended up with stitches. She has fallen so many times in her life that she has grown used to it. Falling is something she has to guard against at all times, but occasionally, despite her best efforts, it happens.

Once she goes back to work she starts thinking about what to buy with her next paycheck. There are several items she would like to get, but as she is considering them she loses her train of thought regarding her work. She stops sorting the paper in front of her as she tries to remember which of her plastic containers the carbon and photos are supposed to go into. She tries to clear her mind and picture where she should put them, but she draws a complete blank. As she struggles to figure it out she begins to feel frustrated because this is a job she has been doing for several years and yet from time to time she still becomes confused and forgets. She feels embarrassed when this happens, but these episodes are part of who she is. A staff person looks up and sees her confusion. He steps over to her and quietly reminds her about where the items should go. This is something he does many times each day for different people. She is not the only one. She is grateful that he did not call attention to her forgetfulness.

Her occasional confusion is something she has had to learn to live with, but not everyone she meets is as kind or patient. It is one of the things she loves about her job. On days when she mentally struggles she is still treated with respect. It’s difficult for her to put into words exactly what that means to her, but it makes her feel safe to know that she can make a mistake, no matter how hard she tries not to, and no one is going to think any less of her, and no one is going to judge her.

Because she is able to regain her focus and work steadily, the rest of the morning goes by quickly, and it’s soon time for lunch. Once she is back in the break room, she sits down at a table with friends who she knows will invite her to play cards after they’ve finished eating. Her mom has packed some leftovers from last night’s dinner, and they need to be heated up. She can read short words without too many syllables, but numbers are tricky for her. Punching in 3 minutes on the microwave might end up being 30 seconds or 30 minutes. She has been looking forward to her mom’s casserole all morning, and she wants to make sure that it is heated properly, so she takes it to the staff that is warming up meals for several other people. After a few minutes her food is brought to her, and it is delicious. As she enjoys her lunch she carefully watches a friend who has to eat very slowly because he sometimes gets choked. When that happens it can be very scary, but today everything goes well. A couple of drinks get spilled and one person has forgotten to bring silverware but all these minor issues are quickly addressed and taken care of. Soon everyone is finished eating and the cards come out.

She loves the fact that she is included in these games. It makes her feel like she is part of things, and she enjoys the joking and the back and forth conversation. Because of the difficulty she has reading numbers, her friends help her understand which cards she has and which ones to play. In this particular game when someone runs out of cards they lose and they are out. But here at work, people share their cards with each other so everyone can keep playing, and no one has to quit. This is not about winning a game. This is about belonging and acceptance. At one point she slowly looks around the room and thinks about how the people here are like her second family. It’s one of the reasons why she looks forward to coming to work each day. She wonders if everyone else in the world loves their jobs as much as she does.

But eventually it’s time to return to work. She heads back feeling full and rested. The sorting begins again, and she can sense that she is focusing better in the afternoon. Over the next half hour she maintains a comfortable steady pace. The work is complex, but she is enjoying the challenge of doing it correctly. She is relaxed and feeling confident when suddenly her concentration is broken by a commotion several tables away. She looks up and sees someone having a seizure. Staff gets to them immediately and within 20 seconds it’s over. The person is helped out of the work area and moved to an office where they can be monitored while they rest. The first few times she witnessed this it was startling. However, she was reassured that seizures were just something that person dealt with in the same way that she had to deal with her mobility challenges, but that these issues did not affect the right of either one of them to be employed. Her parents had told her that it was this compassionate attitude that made them so happy that she had gotten a job here.

The afternoon break comes and goes and eventually everything begins to wind down. She is feeling tired, and she can tell she has put in a full day. It’s often at this time that she thinks of her friends from the special needs church choir that desperately want to work but can’t find jobs. She knows that for people with developmental disabilities it is difficult to find a business or organization that will give them the opportunity to work. She feels very fortunate because she knows that her job will always be here for her. 

As she waits in line to clock out she thinks about how it has been a good day filled with thoughtfulness and consideration. People have been kind to her, and they’ve looked out for her well-being by ensuring that she was safe and protected at all times. She worked side by side with her friends and with people who care about her and respect her as a person. She was able to contribute and to feel productive. She pulled her weight and earned her pay. She was tested mentally and physically, and she faced each issue with resolve and the commitment to perform her job at the highest level possible.

Tomorrow she’ll come back and be given a new work assignment that will provide her with the opportunity to perform a different set of tasks that will increase her vocational skills. And she will once again move slowly and carefully through her work day accomplishing what many consider impossible for a woman with her particular intellectual and physical challenges. She will disprove their misconceptions with every cautious step she takes. She will shatter their limited expectations by using her mind and spirit to improve her life and to have a positive impact on those around her. She will simply do the very best job she can - and no one can ask for more than that.

Each person at the Meadows has a story similar to this one. It’s a story of courage. It’s a story of determination and persistence. It’s a story of defeating the odds and overcoming the challenges that society has placed before them. It is the story of what it truly means to be human.

We are proud to provide meaningful employment to people who need to work, who are willing to work and, most importantly, have the right to work.

The Meadows Center for Opportunity is a workplace like no other. We are a nonprofit foundation that offers employment and vocational training to adults with intellectual challenges resulting from developmental disabilities, autism, traumatic brain injury, disease, stroke, dementia and epilepsy.

Many places of employment are often impersonal and unresponsive to the needs of their workers. Their focus is strictly on the bottom line, and therefore the people that work for them are not considered to be individually important. We, on the other hand, do business in a different way. We offer a compassionate environment where our employees are sincerely appreciated. Everyone in our organization cares about each other. We support each other and lift each other up. We share our successes, and we are there for someone when they go through difficult times. We learn together, we laugh together and five days a week we share our lives together. 

Each person we hire has particular challenges that have brought them to us. But it is incorrect to think that because a person is vulnerable in some way that it means they are incapable of learning job skills or that they cannot be productive and contribute. It just means that they achieve their best results in a supportive atmosphere that allows them to develop the talents and abilities they already possess while at the same time being given the chance to learn new tasks.

Here are just a few of the benefits that our organization offers to men and women who deserve hope and opportunity.

LONG TERM EMPLOYMENT: We do not lay off workers for economic reasons. We do not reduce people’s hours. People do not lose their jobs over health issues or because of age. When an individual comes to work for us they remain for as long as they safely can. We currently have employees who have more than 30 years of service with our organization.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING: Our workers are continually being trained in all aspects of their employment even as they are being paid for working. We assist each individual in whatever way necessary to allow them to increase their job skills while they also improve their social and living skills.

A SUPPORTIVE WORKING ENVIRONMENT: We do not pressure our employees to work faster, to do more, or to make fewer mistakes. We do not expect them to produce at a rate that makes them struggle or that cannot be sustained. Instead we assist them in becoming more productive by helping them improve their ability to focus on their job tasks so they can maintain a comfortable steady work pace.

HEALTH AND SAFETY: We are fully staffed, with a level of training that is not present in most community jobs. If a worker has a health emergency or an injury we are prepared to deal with it. Our employees are monitored at all times, including their lunch period and breaks to ensure their safety and well-being while they are at work.

ADAPTABILITY: We do whatever is necessary to allow someone to do their job comfortably and safely. We make modifications and adjustments to their work area. We assist them with mobility issues and communication challenges. We coordinate with families and guardians to ensure that every situation is beneficial to the individual and that we are always working as a team in the best interest of the employee.

DIGNITY AND RESPECT: We believe that employment should respect the dignity of a human being. It should be a fulfilling experience that enhances their confidence and self-esteem. We provide the most compassionate working environment possible with an atmosphere of complete acceptance. We maintain a consistently positive and supportive approach at all times.

Monday through Friday the amazing adults we employ come to together and achieve what would have been considered impossible only a few generations ago. Their accomplishments are the result of determination and perseverance. These individuals are living examples of the power of the human spirit. They have overcome a lifetime of challenges to be in a position to learn new vocational skills and to earn a steady paycheck.

Every day our workers perform their jobs efficiently and with complete accuracy. More than 3,000 loyal customers statewide know that they can count on us to provide fast courteous service with the highest possible quality. The men and women we employ continually perform their jobs to the very best of their abilities. The extraordinary results they achieve exemplify their dedication and commitment to their work. Their willingness to learn, and their positive attitudes, allows them to grow not only as employees but as people. Their desire to develop new vocational skills and to consistently attempt to improve their performance clearly demonstrates their passion for their jobs.

When you go to work tomorrow, please take a moment to consider what that actually represents. It means that your employer appreciates you as a person. They have faith in your ability. They trust you with responsibility, and they assume that you will attempt to meet all the requirements of your particular position. In many ways your job defines you to other people. The fact that you are successfully employed is the culmination of your education, your hard work and the willingness of someone to provide you with opportunity. The Meadows gives individuals with intellectual challenges the same experience.

The unemployment rate for adults with developmental disabilities is currently 70%. This heartbreaking statistic does not indicate the number of individuals that can’t work, but rather it reflects the deplorable fact that 7 out of 10 are not given the opportunity to work. Men and women with intellectual challenges deserve to have meaningful employment. They deserve to be productive and to be paid for their efforts. They deserve to have a job just like any other member of society.

A nonprofit can make a difference in life by embracing an idea that is so powerful that it impacts entire families. The Meadows is that type of organization. When a person comes to work for us, they are changed in a positive and lasting way as they begin a life affirming journey that encompasses far more than just employment.

It is too often the case that individuals with developmental disabilities are either not given the opportunity to express themselves or people do not show respect by paying attention to what they have to say. What follows is an example of what we might hear if we made the effort to listen attentively to their thoughts and opinions regarding how they are sometimes treated by society.

I am a human being.

I’m not abnormal.

I’m not deficient.

I’m not broken.

I’m not less.

My life matters.

I have a developmental disability, but don’t be afraid; you can’t catch it. There are millions of people around the world just like me. In fact we live in every nation on earth. In some places we are treated well and in others we are treated badly. For many of us, where we are born is the greatest single factor in our lives.

Because of my disability I learn differently - but I learn. Sometimes I need extra time to understand things and to do things. Someday, when you grow older, you will too. People are often surprised that I can learn far more than they thought I could. Usually my biggest problem is not learning to do something; it is being given the opportunity to try. Most people at least get the chance to find out what they can do. I would like that too. Some things I will be able to do and some I won’t. No one can do everything.

I have thoughts, opinions and ideas I want to share. Please don’t ignore them just because I have trouble expressing them. It’s not how I say something but what I say that is important. I want to be heard just like everybody else. I might communicate without verbal words but that’s okay. Please be patient and make the effort to understand what I’m trying to tell you. After all, you expect me to listen to you.

I am fortunate to have a job that is important to me. Most of those with developmental disabilities are unemployed because people will not hire them. That is wrong. I enjoy working. I like to stay busy and to learn new things. It makes me feel great to earn money so I can buy the things I want and need. I rarely complain about my job the way others do. I like going to work where I’m appreciated. I do my best to do a good job.

With the money I earn, I am able to enjoy the same music and movies as everyone else. I shop at the same malls, eat at the same restaurants and go to the same churches. In my free time I watch the same TV shows. I enjoy swimming, bowling, video games and being with my friends.

I have hopes, dreams and goals that are important to me. I have defeats, I make mistakes, and sometimes I use poor judgment. Don’t you? I love to sing, I love to dance, and I have a sense of humor. I love to laugh, and I love to joke with people. I am creative, and I can surprise you with my imagination. Just like everyone else I know, I want as much joy in my life as I can possibly get. I want you to be happy too.

My life seems normal to me. It is what I know. In my mind, my behavior seems okay. I have things I do that help me handle stress and worry. Whether you know it or not you have them too. Some people deal with life’s problems by smoking, drinking or overeating. We are all just doing the best we can, and none of us is perfect.

I have positive qualities that make me more than my diagnosis, but if you only focus on my challenges you will not see my abilities. When you judge me it hurts. When you make assumptions without knowing me it doesn‘t seem right. When you don’t include me in the community it’s not fair. I don’t want to be left out or ignored, and I don’t want to be pushed aside.

I am often more accepting of others than they are of me. That doesn’t make sense. I don’t understand why people won’t like me for who I am. I wonder if they try to see the real me. Too often I believe they allow a label to make up their mind about me before they have a chance to get to know me. I don’t like labels because they are limiting. They create perceptions that are not right.

I am an individual. I am not like somebody else who also has an intellectual challenge. I am me. There is no one else like me in the world. Perhaps you know more than one person with a developmental disability. Please don’t just assume we are all the same. We are not. We are each unique with our own strengths and abilities. Do not make the mistake of judging us against each other. That is not fair to anyone.

Please remember that I am not a child. I am an adult just like you. That gives me the same rights in society that you have. I should be allowed to safely attempt new challenges and to try new things. I have the right to follow my dreams and to enjoy my interests. I also have the right to fail from time to time and to make mistakes as I learn.

I don’t want my entire life to be planned for me by others. I want to be fully involved in the decisions that will affect my happiness. I want to be as independent as possible. I want to do things for myself. It is much better if you help me learn how to do something instead of always doing it for me.

It’s a mistake for you to focus only on our differences, because we have far more in common than you might imagine. Please accept my challenges; they are part of who I am. I am living the only life I have ever known or ever will know. This was the life that was given to me. I had no choice in the matter. I just want to live it in a way that is fulfilling and meaningful to me. I don’t need sympathy, I need encouragement. I don’t want pity, I want respect. I’m not looking for a handout, I deserve opportunity. I know that I can have a positive impact on the lives of others.

Please don’t be mean and tease me. Don’t call me names, or make fun of the way I walk or talk. I have feelings and when you say bad things about me it hurts. It does not even occur to me to try and hurt your feelings. I don’t want to make you feel bad about yourself. I want you to enjoy your life. I am almost always willing to accept you just the way you are. Is it asking too much for you to do the same for me?

If you were hurt or had an illness, the way your brain works could change. How would that make you feel? You would still want people to accept you and to understand you, right? You would still want to be included as much as possible in life. You would still like to feel important. I think we all want those things.

As you grow older there will come a time when you will need someone to be patient with you. You will want them to realize that you are doing the best you can. You will not want to be left behind because you move slower. You will not want to be left out of conversations because your speech is not easily understood. You will want others to still see you as an important person - not as a burden or as someone to be avoided.

No matter what, I still try to believe in people. It would be so nice if they would believe in me. I try to look for the good in others, and I try to remember that we all make mistakes and that nobody has all the answers. But sometimes it seems like I’m judged unfairly. If I make a mistake while learning a task, people often assume I will never be able to learn to do it, and they give up on me. That makes me feel bad because what people think of you affects how you feel about yourself. Please try to keep an open mind and have more faith in me.

Please never take away my hope. My dreams and goals are just as important to me as yours are to you. We all need something to work towards. We all need achievements and accomplishments in our lives. And no matter what others think, I do have many achievements, and I am proud of my accomplishments. That’s why when I have good news to tell you please don’t dismiss me as if it doesn’t matter. When I have problems or complaints please realize that they are important to me. I am willing to hear about anything that is bothering you. Please do the same for me.

The fact that I have a developmental disability doesn’t make me sad. I honestly don’t think about it that much. It seems to bother everyone else far more than it does me. I’m too busy trying to live my life to sit around worrying about something I have no control over. This is who I am - just like you are you. There is nothing we can do about it. Don’t waste your time wishing you were someone else. Be who you are. That’s what I do.

If you will open up your heart I could be your friend, your coworker or your neighbor. I have the right to be all three. If you will take the time and make the effort to get to know me it could have a positive effect on both of our lives.

What if two people like us, living in completely different worlds, could somehow come together and be friends? Which one of us would benefit the most?

My life has meaning.

I deserve dignity and respect

I can make a difference.

I am important.

I am equal.

I am a human being.

Vulnerability is a word that we are all familiar with and yet these 13 letters describe a state of being that we don’t give much thought to. Perhaps we should. Every person, without exception, is vulnerable in some way. It is part of the human experience that we all share, and that we each deal with in our own way.

For many people vulnerability is considered to be a form of weakness. It is something that can never be shown. It can never be acknowledged, and it simply cannot be allowed to be a part of who they are. But that is not realistic. We each have aspects of our lives that we wish to keep from being exposed for fear that we will face ridicule or disrespect. That is why we typically equate vulnerability with emotional pain and discomfort.

Try to think of the one person you know who seems to be the happiest and most well-adjusted individual in your life. I promise that if it was possible to peel back the layers you would find that they are actually vulnerable in several different ways.

But there are those who cannot hide their vulnerability. They do not have the capacity or the ability to pretend. They cannot put on an act, and they have no way of hiding their particular issue. The vulnerability of countless human beings is on display for the entire world to see. For individuals who stutter or who are nonverbal or have other speech challenges their vulnerability is excruciatingly difficult to hide. For people with intellectual challenges, who struggle to find acceptance, their vulnerability is sometimes obvious and at other times subtle. For people with emotional trauma that has left them unable to interact with life in a socially approved way their vulnerability can be raw and painful. For those with physical issues ranging from serious health problems to difficulty with motor functions or mobility their vulnerability is witnessed by others every day.

Being vulnerable is often a life long struggle. Obviously at the beginning and at the end of life every one of us is physically, intellectually and emotionally vulnerable. Society expends significant resources making the transition into and out of this world as compassionate as possible. But during the intervening years too many people with serious vulnerabilities struggle without the support they need. When left untreated these can be crippling to their happiness and well-being. Problems are sometimes ignored or simply not dealt with in an appropriate way. In many cases a person does not seek help of any kind - they simply choose to endure.

That is both unfortunate and unnecessary. There are always professionals available for whatever issue a person might be facing. No matter how serious the problem might be, they are trained to assist others in distress. A person only has to be willing to seek help. For those who do step forward to receive treatment, they are demonstrating tremendous courage and character. It is often incredibly difficult to admit that you are vulnerable.

That is why it’s only when we stop wasting exhausting amounts of time and energy in the never ending attempt to hide our vulnerability, that we are able to release ourselves from its power. Embracing our particular challenge as a fundamental part of who we are allows us to stop fighting it and to relax. The tension that accompanies our refusal to admit that we are human, and therefore we struggle, gradually dissipates and is replaced with the comforting feeling of self-respect.

By accepting our vulnerability we can turn it from a perceived liability into an actual asset because accepting it requires us to be brave, and that in itself makes us stronger. To be ourselves, without pretense, is emotionally healthy. We become content with who we really are. Our self-confidence and self-esteem increases as we choose to live our lives honestly.

Please stop for a moment and consider your own vulnerabilities. We all have them. They are an integral part of what makes us human. Some of us are able to hide our particular issues, but for others their vulnerability is readily apparent. When we encounter those people we would be wise to remember our own challenges and resist the temptation to pass judgment or to offer worthless unsolicited advice.

No human being should ever feel like they are being forced to go through life pretending. We must try to find it in our hearts to accept each person as they are. That simple effort will go a long way in making everyone feel more appreciated and comfortable no matter what their vulnerability might be.

Being vulnerable is being honest. When we accept it for what it is we no longer have to let it define us. It is a part of who we are - but it is not all that we are.

Currently in the world of developmental disabilities there is tremendous controversy surrounding the topic of sheltered workshops. We fully understand the debate regarding everything from pay scale to the perceived segregation of people with intellectual challenges. These are issues that many people have strong convictions about, and we respect those points of view. In this post we are not attempting to offer a defense for all workshops, it is simply to state why we are successful and what we offer to people who choose to work with us instead of in the community.

We are a trusted business providing a variety of services to more than 3,000 customers statewide, but far more importantly we are fulfilling our mission to serve a population that is too often overlooked or ignored as possible employees. We compete in the commercial market with companies that have completely different objectives. Whether it’s a fast food chain or a giant retailer, practically every community job is designed for one single thing; profit. Typically those who work the fastest and are the most productive are the ones who are hired. They are employed because they can have a positive effect of the bottom line. If an employee begins to falter they are immediately replaced without regard to their well being. If their usefulness is in doubt they are immediately terminated.

For much of the business world it is a dog eat dog mentality. But within that reality we have chosen a different path. Our workshop exists for a completely different reason; to provide safe and meaningful employment to human beings who otherwise have diminished prospects for being hired. We do not employ our workers to make our organization the maximum amount of profit possible - but rather we exist to serve their employment needs. How productive they may or may not be is not the consideration. Our focus is on how we can assist those who have the desire to work and who deserve to work.

But we also have to be fiscally responsible. Because of policy issues and oversight concerning DOL, SSI, Medicaid, etc. we are governed and watched more closely than our commercial counterparts. We also have a much higher overhead than most small businesses. Our performance is actually measured by how many people we employ. These factors make it extremely challenging to be efficient - but we make it work.

We compete in the marketplace with a workforce that we are proud to serve and with a business philosophy that chooses compassion for people over profit. For more than 30 years we have been successful because our bottom line is about empowering the individual. It’s about equipping them with the vocational tools they will need to be successful should they decide to work in the community while at the same time providing steady long-term meaningful work for those who choose to remain employed in a supportive setting.

Sometimes our employees are able to leave the workshop and, by utilizing the training we’ve provided, transition to a job in the community. When this happens we feel successful. It is very satisfying to think that we played a part in assisting someone in getting a job they wanted. It is always our goal for individuals to move into the community if they can find employment, and we do everything we possibly can to prepare them. But leaving our workshop for that type of job is their choice.

Unfortunately, at this point in our social history, many of the people we employ still have significant difficulty finding meaningful jobs outside the workshop. The reality is that the unemployment rate for people with developmental disabilities is heartbreakingly high. While great strides have been made integrating people with intellectual challenges into mainstream society, when it comes to hiring them there appears to be a point that some employers are reluctant to go beyond.

That is why we must advocate, educate and do everything in our power to raise awareness about the untapped potential of men and women with developmental disabilities who can benefit almost any business in ways that employers can’t even imagine. We must all stand united in our belief that every person has the right to be employed. If you are familiar with this blog or follow us on twitter you know that we constantly stress the need for complete inclusion in all aspects of society and that certainly includes employment. We welcome the day when individuals with intellectual challenges are automatically considered for jobs by all types of businesses and organizations.

But as we’re making this fight it does not make any sense to destroy the safety net of opportunity that a workshop like ours can provide.

Unfortunately, offering a safe and supportive environment within a workshop setting is automatically perceived by some as a form of segregation that prevents workers from interacting with people who do not have disabilities. However, that is not true in our case. On any given day approximately 20% of our workers go out on our company trucks and work in the community. For those that remain in our facility they have the opportunity to interact with customers. Our employees are not isolated. They are not marginalized.

We are incredibly proud of the people we employ, and customers constantly tell us that they are one of the main reasons they choose to do business with us. The interaction between our workers and the public is a joy to witness. The customer gains an understanding of what a person with a developmental disability can achieve, and our workers receive appreciation from the public for their efforts to perform their jobs. Our customers believe in our mission, and they get to see first hand what our employees are accomplishing.

Certainly there are many good jobs in the community that can be filled by individuals with developmental disabilities, and we want to help place as many people in them as we possibly can. In these positions they get to interact frequently with the general public and with coworkers who do not have disabilities. Often they work in a comfortable and safe setting and they are treated with respect as equals. But there are also many jobs where the person spends the day cleaning toilets alone, mowing grass alone, washing dishes alone or doing laundry alone. There is little contact with the public and only occasional interaction with coworkers on breaks and at lunch. In these situations, inclusion in the community does not necessarily make their work experience better.

When a person with a developmental disability comes to work for us we offer them vocational training on as many different job tasks as possible. They gain valuable experience in what it means to be a full time employee. We provide the safest possible environment both physically and emotionally. We create an atmosphere of trust between the workers and staff. Each person is appreciated for who they are - not for what they can do. Their worth as a human being is not determined by their productivity. Our complete acceptance of each individual has nothing to do with their job skills and everything to do with their humanity. Our workers are more than just employees - they are the very reason our organization exists.

Another issue that is raised concerning sheltered workshops is how the employees are paid. I cannot speak for other facilities, but in our case we do not pay piece rate which can lead to grossly unfair wages. We perform time studies on center based work that takes place in our building. However, unlike many other workshops we have a base hourly wage that no one is allowed to fall below. We are not required to do this - we simply feel we have a moral obligation to pay each person to the best of our ability. Paying at this particular level allows us to employ the most people possible. This is critically important since we usually have a waiting list to join our organization. Individuals and families regularly inquire about employment opportunities with our workshop because there is an intense need and desire within the community to be a part of what we are doing.

Of course the argument can be made that the people we employ should be paid more. But when you have a specific amount of funds available to spend in a fiscal year on wages and you raise the base salary, that money has to come from somewhere. We are a non profit. The only place to cut so that more money would be available would be through the downsizing of our work force, and that is something we refuse to do. That defeats the very purpose of our mission which is to provide safe employment for as many adults with intellectual challenges as possible. We simply are not willing to terminate the jobs of some of the most vulnerable people in society - the very people that we have chosen to serve.

It would be a nightmare scenario if we were forced to look into the faces of innocent human beings, including individuals who had given years of their lives in service to our organization, and tell them that they were losing their jobs so that their salaries could be used to raise the wages of others. That would be catastrophic for everyone involved. It would be a heartbreaking example of short sightedness filled with cruel irony because we would be ending the employment of the very individuals who need us most.

That is why passing restrictive legislation that damages all workshops does not make sense. Where will the thousands of individuals currently employed in them go? What will they do? How will they learn new job skills? How will they earn money? How will they be productive in a way that is fulfilling to them? When the unemployment rate for those with developmental disabilities is already so tragically high how can we expect them to be successfully absorbed into the workforce?

While it would be true that our remaining employees would now be making a higher wage, it would come at a terrible cost. I certainly believe that if the workers in our facility were allowed to vote on whether or not they would like to see their friends lose their jobs so that they could personally make more money not a single individual would be in favor of it. That is because they care about each other, they look out for each other, and they support each other. They want everyone to be included in the vocational experience because our workshop is not a cold sterile institution where people come to a job five days a week just to earn a paycheck.

We are a family.

Each morning I post the day’s absences on a board outside my office, and immediately our workers want assurances that those individuals just have a cold or they are taking a vacation day or they have some type of appointment. They are always concerned that something more serious might have caused them to miss work. They care about each other and the staff in a way that does not happen in a job at a fast food restaurant. They look out for each other in a way that does not happen at a giant retailer. What others view as a limited work situation is, in fact, a family environment where human beings care about each other in a much more profound, real and sincere way than happens in the outside business world.

For many people in society their job is simply a necessary inconvenience in life that pays the bills. It is something they endure instead of enjoy. Some spend every waking minute chasing a dollar. Others spend their lives searching for something bigger and better - but never finding it. Some avoid working whenever possible and some move from job to job with no sense of commitment or fulfillment. None of that is true for the men and women we employ. Their jobs mean everything to them. It is one of the most important aspects of their lives, and they rightfully take great pride in their vocational achievements and accomplishments.

That is why we are committed to providing full time employment based on respect for each individual rather than focusing on the bottom line. Each person’s job is adjusted to fit the abilities they currently have. We work around their personal issues so that they can maintain their dignity as they continue to be employed in a supportive and caring atmosphere. We do this because we embrace the right of every person to work. We believe in our employees which helps them to believe in themselves. We give them a sense of belonging, and we make sure they understand that they are a completely equal member of our team.

By offering a compassionate alternative to the harsh realities of the business world we provide our workers with the opportunity to excel. We create a working atmosphere that supports the individual instead of pressuring them. We provide a range of vocational opportunities so that a person is not locked into a single repetitive task day in and day out. The socialization that takes place is rarely found in other work settings. People make friends for life as they share the experience of meaningful full time employment.

The men and women who are employed by our workshop are here by choice. This is not a place where people are forced to come to or where they are relegated to. It is where they want to be. Of the 43 individuals that currently work with us, 30 have been employed here 10 years or more. We are privileged to share our daily lives with them. We learn together, we laugh together, we have fun together, and on those occasions when we suffer a loss, we grieve together. In the past several years two of our coworkers have passed away due to illness, and they have been missed in a profound way that would not have occurred in another job setting.

Unfortunately, it is currently fashionable to lump all workshops together to make one convenient target for condemnation. But in our particular case we sincerely believe those feelings are misdirected. That type of indignation would be far more useful if it was directed at the obscene 70% unemployment rate for people with developmental disabilities. The deplorable fact that 7 out of every 10 people with this diagnosis remains unemployed is exactly why a sheltered workshop like ours needs to continue to be available for those who would like to take advantage of it. To not be allowed to offer them this employment option guarantees that even more people with intellectual challenges will be unjustly left out of the job market. Those individuals will certainly suffer the consequences of having even fewer opportunities to find jobs which will in turn drive their unemployment numbers even higher.

For people with developmental disabilities, who in some cases have struggled for years to find a job, our sheltered workshop is a place of opportunity where each person is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

The myths surrounding developmental disabilities usually have no basis in fact. They are unfounded beliefs or assumptions that have been perpetuated for so long that they have been accepted as truth by some in society even though their inaccuracy is obvious. These myths create indifference and intolerance. They foster stereotypes that are completely unfair and that can lead to injustice for human beings who have done nothing to deserve such treatment.

The following is a sampling of the many misconceptions that some people still have about individuals with intellectual challenges.

MYTH: People with developmental disabilities are all the same.

This attitude is the result of a lack of interaction between people within society. Once those with intellectual challenges enjoy inclusion, it quickly becomes apparent that they are completely unique individuals with their own distinct personalities. They have their own likes and dislikes, and they have their own wants and needs. When we embrace diversity, we strengthen our communities by giving everyone the opportunity to be appreciated for who they are.

MYTH: Children with developmental disabilities are a burden to their families.

While it is true that raising a child with special needs can be challenging, it is no less true that the beauty and power of unconditional love provides the patience and strength required to meet those challenges. As a family pulls together to support their loved one, it makes them grow closer, and the complete acceptance that the child experiences builds self-esteem and confidence. Parents view their children as blessings not burdens.

MYTH: People with developmental disabilities cannot learn.

This kind of declarative statement defies logic. All human beings begin to learn from the moment they are born. Individuals with intellectual challenges are constantly learning. They learn academic skills. They learn social skills. They learn living skills, and they learn job skills. And, out of necessity, they learn to practice tolerance as they graciously forgive the ignorance of people that refuse to understand them and accept them.

MYTH: It is not offensive to use the R-word.

People with developmental disabilities are fully aware of when they are being disrespected, and they should not be forced to endure such insensitive behavior from others. To be demeaned or humiliated for who you are is inexcusable. Using this type of language is a hateful form of bullying that attempts to deny dignity to another human being. Under no circumstances is it ever appropriate to use the R-word.

MYTH: Individuals with developmental disabilities should not be part of the community.

In reality they have the right to full inclusion in all aspects of the community. Society benefits when people with intellectual challenges are allowed to develop and share their skills and talents. Everyone learns from each other when there is ongoing interaction between all people based on mutual respect. Embracing diversity leads to a stronger more vibrant community for everyone.

MYTH: Individuals with developmental disabilities have behaviors that cannot be understood.

To truly understand someone you have to care. You have to be willing to make the effort to get to know them as a person rather than as a diagnosis so that you have a frame of reference for what triggers a particular behavior and how it can be dealt with appropriately. That means we must reserve judgment and not rush to conclusions. Behaviors can be understood with patience and compassion, and that requires that we respect the individual’s dignity at all times.

MYTH: Adults with developmental disabilities cannot live independently.

While it is true that some individuals require daily assistance in a setting that provides 24 hour supervision, and others prefer to live with their families, many are completely capable of safely living in their own house or apartment. Those with developmental disabilities long to be as independent as possible, and they have the right to live in a way that fulfills not only their basic need for shelter but also their emotional need to have a place that they can call their home.

MYTH: An individual with a developmental disability cannot be your friend.

Why not? Human beings are far more alike than they are different. We all share the same important qualities in life. People with intellectual challenges have the same common interests and goals. They have the same fervent hopes and dreams. They have the same all consuming need for acceptance, and they have the same human desire for friendship. Becoming friends with a person that has a developmental disability could change both of your lives.

MYTH: Those with developmental disabilities are not employable.

The unemployment rate for people who are diagnosed with a developmental disability is 70%. That shocking number is not based on the fact that they cannot work, but rather on the fact that they are not given the opportunity to work. The mistaken belief that these individuals cannot develop vocational skills deprives society of their talents and abilities. Many people with intellectual challenges can perform a wide variety of job tasks when given the chance.

MYTH: Those with developmental disabilities are not “normal”.

There is no such thing as normal. There are now 7 billion human beings on earth, and each one of us is a completely unique individual with our own characteristics and personalities. Every person has their own challenges that they must deal with as well as their own strengths and abilities. Because we are each different in our own way, being considered normal has no meaning. It is far more important to be accepted for who you really are.

MYTH: Those with developmental disabilities do not have the same feelings as other people.

Pain, grief, hope and joy are all experienced by individuals with intellectual challenges. They place the same value on friendship and relationships that we all do. They respond to disappointment, encouragement, rejection and acceptance. They have the same intense desire to be needed and appreciated. But most importantly, like any other person, they need love.

MYTH: People with developmental disabilities are not equals.

Of all the myths that are believed about people with intellectual challenges this lie is the most damaging. It is a cruel and heartbreaking misrepresentation that is disrespectful and does a disservice to both individuals and society alike. In this day and age, it is difficult to comprehend how someone could actually think that having a developmental disability somehow makes a human being’s life less valuable. Our shared humanity makes us all equal - with no exceptions.

Myths about people with developmental disabilities are propagated by those who refuse to accept clear evidence to the contrary. These myths create inaccurate perceptions, which are, by their very nature, negative and damaging. They encourage factual distortions which can lead to unfairness and social injustice. Thankfully, like all myths, they are dispelled with the acceptance of reality. That is why it is crucial to correct the narrow minded thinking that too often prevails regarding people with intellectual challenges. We can only become a truly inclusive and compassionate society by challenging the myths that misrepresent those who want nothing more than to be accepted as equal members of the human family.

Myths about developmental disabilities are incredibly harmful because they can have a devastating impact on the lives of millions of human beings.

Compassion is the most powerful force in the world. It can defeat indifference, intolerance and injustice. It is able to replace judgment with acceptance because it makes no distinction between age, ethnicity, gender or disability. It freely embraces the rich diversity of humanity by treating everyone as equals. It benefits both those who receive it and those who share it. Every person on earth desires it, and every human being deserves it.

It is an absolute fact that our society cannot function without compassion. It’s a fundamental part of our communities, and it is necessary to ensure that all those in need receive the supports and services they require. Compassion drives society to be inclusive and to allow all of its members to be fully engaged in life. It is what compels human beings to care about each other and to help each other.

A single act of compassion can change a person’s life forever.

Compassion is the willingness to give. It’s the desire to donate your talents, abilities and, most importantly, your time. It is the commitment to place someone else’s needs above your own. Some mistakenly believe that compassion must always involve great personal sacrifice, but that is not true. The reward you receive from sharing your compassion is far more significant than anything you might give up in the process. To make a real difference in another human being’s life is a richly satisfying feeling.       

Unfortunately, it is far too easy to stand on the sidelines in life and wait for “others” do the right thing. It takes character and integrity to be the one who is willing to step up and make a difference. To feel sympathy for someone is not enough. We must also be willing to take action. That is why compassion requires courage. Together they are one of the most dynamic combinations in the world.

Compassion is the bond that unites all of humanity.

Compassion embraces the noblest characteristics of human beings. It allows us to think of others instead of always focusing on ourselves. It refuses to be selfish, it is willing to forgive, and it accepts people for who they are. Compassion gives us the ability to understand someone else’s situation and the desire to take action to improve their lives. It is the quality that allows us to step outside of ourselves and see the circumstances of others. It supplies the will power to do what is necessary to make the world a more caring place. Compassion inspires us to make an immediate and effective effort to come to the assistance of those who are dealing with challenges.

Compassion is particularly important to those who are vulnerable. For people who are dependent on others for help and support, compassion is often the most important factor in allowing them to lead fulfilling lives. Therefore we have a moral imperative to treat them as equals and to ensure that they enjoy the same rights as other members of society. They should never be marginalized or subjected to isolation. For those individuals, compassion provides respect while preserving their dignity.

We each have an endless supply of compassion, and it costs us nothing to share it.

Because it recognizes the urgency for assistance when someone is in need, compassion motivates us to get involved. We can’t help but reach out to those who are facing difficult situations when we are filled with compassion. It makes us sensitive to what other people are going through. It makes us care at such a profound level that we are filled with the overwhelming desire to make a difference. Compassion makes us accept responsibility that we never thought we could handle. It makes us better people than we ever dreamed we could be. It makes our existence meaningful and worthwhile.

But it’s important to understand that compassion is more than just an emotion; it is a way of life. Compassion lifts people up. It encourages, praises and embraces the humanity of others. It is genuine, sincere and from the heart. It is the acknowledgement of the value of another person. It is the desire to make the human experience better not only for ourselves but also for everyone else. And because nothing can have a faster impact in life, the positive effects of compassion are multiplied when the person who receives it shares the benefits with others.

We can create a meaningful difference in the world simply by performing one simple act of compassion after another.

Of course the purest form of compassion is when it’s shown to someone who will never know of your generosity. There is no expectation of being “paid back”. There are no words of thanks or a pat on the back. There is no public acknowledgment for your good deed. It is an act of kindness performed simply because it is the right thing to do. The reward is in knowing that you helped to change someone’s life. The willingness to share ourselves without thought for what we might get in return is the true nature of compassion. It’s when it is least expected that compassion often produces its most dramatic results.

Fortunately, there is an inherent goodness in people that naturally leads us to try to do what is right. That is why we attempt to raise funds to confront a problem, although money will not completely solve it. It’s the reason we petition the government to provide programs, even though we know they can only do so much. It is why we write about an issue and enlist the aid of celebrities to use their fame and influence to raise awareness about it, all the while knowing that publicity cannot ensure that it’s eliminated. In the end, despite our best intentions, the only true solution to life’s challenges is compassion. If we will love one another, if we will be filled with genuine concern and empathy for those who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, then the money, support and programs have a much greater chance of succeeding.

Compassion is the greatest gift one human being can share with another.

It is never too late for us to make a positive difference in the world. We simply start by thinking of others first. We consider their needs instead of focusing exclusively on what we want. We try to realize that our problems are often insignificant compared to what others face. We can each begin, right now, to enjoy a life based on compassion that will lead us on a fulfilling journey. We will experience a deep sense of joy in our efforts to improve lives. We will quickly understand how rewarding life can be when we sincerely make the effort to bring hope and opportunity to those facing challenges. We can learn to feel good about ourselves for attempting to be part of the solution. We can embrace a cause that is bigger than our small personal world. If we will begin to fill our lives with compassion, we will develop an increasing awareness of the courageous struggles waged daily by our fellow human beings.

It is impossible to know how much good can come from a single act of compassion.

Among the bravest human beings on earth are the women who are willing to risk their own lives to bring a child into the world. It is the greatest sacrifice one person can make for another. It is the deepest form of love there is. A woman knows the dangers of delivery, as well as the struggles she will face as a mother. The knowledge that her child could be born with a physical or developmental disability is a fact of life that she must deal with. She also has to live with the realization that her own health is put at risk for nine months. But even though she is fully aware of all of these issues, she is still willing to risk everything for her precious child.

When a woman holds her baby for the first time she is completing the circle of love that enriches all of humanity. The bond that is formed between mother and child cannot be broken, no matter what life brings. Even in death there will remain the longing of one for the other through all eternity. A child who loses his mother is changed forever, and when a mother has a child die she experiences the greatest pain a human being can be forced to endure - but still the bond remains, unbroken and unending. The act of giving life to another person transcends all other human endeavors. Maternal love knows no bounds or restrictions. It does not ebb and flow as in other relationships. A mother’s unconditional love is the greatest gift a child can receive.

When a new mother looks into the face of her baby she sees the purity of humanity. She sees the hope of the future. She sees the very essence of love wrapped in a tiny bundle. It is a moment in time that defines us as compassionate beings that embrace and treasure the wonder of creation no matter how difficult the conditions may be that surround the birth. Our respect for each individual on earth must start the moment life begins, and it must continue to the end of the human experience. Love, respect and dignity must be accorded to each child without exception because each new life adds to the rich tapestry of humanity in its own unique way. Each woman who selflessly gives her own body in the ultimate act of love deserves our greatest admiration.

The moment of birth should be a beautiful, wondrous, profoundly spiritual connection between two human beings who will go on to share a relationship that is so special that neither will never be able to replace the other in their lives. That is why we have an obligation to protect both mother and child as they begin the journey of life. We owe them the chance to discover each other and to grow together. We must provide the opportunity for them to share their love and develop the special relationship that will remain with them throughout their lives.

A mother and child share a heartbeat forever. They will always be linked together in the ongoing chapters of their respective lives. When they are young, a son or daughter craves the attention of the one who gave them life. As they grow older, children learn their most important lessons from the person they trust more than anyone else in the world, and as they age they begin to truly appreciate the myriad of sacrifices she has made on their behalf.

Beginning with conception and including the decision to continue the pregnancy, a woman makes a lifelong commitment to another human being who will be dependent upon her for their physical safety, as well as their emotional and mental health. As their children grow up, their unconditional love will never waver. They will support their sons and daughters no matter what issues they face. They will be living examples of commitment and dedication - and because there is no greater responsibility a person can assume than that of a mother, they deserve our highest respect.

In the eyes of every woman her child is perfect. When she holds her newborn infant, the fact that it might have a disability has no effect on their eternal bond. Her devotion to her child is total and complete. She will move heaven and earth to see that her son or daughter has every opportunity they deserve to lead a full and meaningful life with dignity and respect. They will have incredible patience when milestones are delayed, and they will rejoice with every small step of progress that’s made. They will defend their child’s rights at all times, and they will not allow others to think of them as anything less than equal. They will be the greatest advocate their son or daughter will ever have.

I hope each one of you will take a moment to reach out and thank the person who loves you more than anyone else ever will. It doesn’t take that long or require that much effort to let your mother know how much you appreciate her and to tell her how much she means to you. But your words will have more impact than you can imagine because you are the one person in the world whose opinion of her matters the most. My own mother passed away forty years ago when I was a teenager, and I can no longer remember the sound of her voice. So please take every available opportunity to listen to your mother’s voice while you can. Believe me when I tell you that a mother’s love can never be replaced, and that there will eventually come a day when you would give almost anything to have one more chance to tell her how much you love her.

Motherhood is living proof that the true measure of a human being is the willingness to sacrifice for another.

We must never take our mothers for granted because we each owe them our lives.

You are an important person, the result of a complex mixture of characteristics that combine to form your personality. You have both positive and negative qualities, strengths and weaknesses and personal likes and dislikes. This makes you totally unique and completely different from everyone else. You belong to the human family and yet you are an individual. You defy descriptions and labels because you are more than just a “type of person”. Each of us is convinced of our own worth. We each believe that the world would be changed forever if we were not present, and that is certainly true. We all play our respective roles in life, and without us things could not possibly be the same. These are the perceptions we embrace concerning our own lives.

But how accurate are the perceptions we have regarding people with developmental disabilities? To a significant degree, the quality of life they enjoy is based on how they are treated by others. That is why it is important to consider how perceptions that are not true can affect our attitude towards them.

Do we believe they are different?

Do we believe they are childlike?

Do we believe they can’t be understood?

Do we believe they can’t learn?

Do we believe they can’t be part of the community?

Do we believe they can’t be employed?

Do we believe they can’t be independent?

Do we believe they can’t be our friends?

Do we believe they are not equal?

All of these perceptions are wrong because they are not based on facts. They are just assumptions that focus solely on a single aspect of a person’s humanity. They fail to see the complete person who has so much to offer the world. Therefore we must learn to open our minds to the reality of what makes us human. An IQ score is not the determining factor of our value to society. We must look past the labels that are used to unfairly limit the potential of a person. Of the 7 billion human beings on earth, 3% are defined as having a developmental disability. That means that millions of people around the world have a label that follows them all of their lives. But there is so much more to a person than just a diagnosis that is imposed on them by others.

Unfortunately, our perceptions of intellectual challenges are sometimes completely off base. Just because an individual is nonverbal does not mean she doesn’t have thoughts, ideas and opinions she wants to share. We just have to find ways of assisting her in communicating. When an individual cannot count to 25 it doesn’t mean he can’t hold a job. We just need to make the necessary adjustments that allow him to be employed without the pressures of math. An individual who cannot stand for long periods of time can be accommodated so they can work while standing or sitting. That is a simple adaptation that can allow a person to remain productive. If an individual has difficulty understanding proper hygiene, it is not a reason for him to be ridiculed. We just need to assist him in improving his daily living skills so he can avoid unnecessary illness. Whatever particular issues a person faces we can find workable solutions that will help them thrive and enjoy inclusion in their community.  

Each person with a developmental disability is a completely unique individual. They laugh and they cry, they feel joy and pain, and they have achievements and setbacks. They are optimistic and confident as they make plans and reach their goals. They rise up to face challenges, and they are rightfully proud of their accomplishments. They long to be as independent as possible. They want to be accepted for who they are. They want the opportunity to participate in all areas of society, and they want to be appreciated and considered important.

For the world to ever be a fair and just place, all life must be valued. Every person, no matter what their intellectual challenge might be, has the right to pursue happiness, to enjoy good health and to have a sense of purpose in their life. In order for this to occur we must open our hearts and our minds. We must learn to overcome our preconceived notions about how much a disability should be allowed to define a person, and ultimately we must have compassion for everyone.

We all know that life can be difficult under the best of circumstances. It should not be made even more demanding because of the unfounded misconceptions of others. Men and women who happen to have intellectual challenges are more than just their diagnosis. They are real people living real lives. It is up to us to look past the disability and see the humanity of each person. If we will do this the world will change for the better. Certainly those that have suffered for so long from intolerance and neglect will enjoy a dramatic improvement in their lives, but it will also have a positive effect on the rest of us. Nothing but good can come from embracing each individual as a complete human being worthy of understanding and acceptance.

We cannot allow a person with a developmental disability to have their life diminished because of other people’s perceptions.