My 41 year-old niece Tamar is special needs – developmentally disabled. She didn’t go to prom, has never held a job, and never lived or traveled alone. Yet she leads a full life with Special Olympics, bowling, swimming and a boyfriend at her adult daycare facility. She looks disabled, which makes it easier for people to forgive her when she does something socially unacceptable.
On a recent flight, I was concerned to see a young man with Downs Syndrome walk down the aisle after the flight attendants. I thought he needed help finding his seat. I quickly realized that he was smiling broadly because the attendants had recruited him to hand out candy. Not so long ago he and my niece would have been hidden away and certainly not given any responsibility.
The invisibility of children and adults with disabilities negatively affects everyone. Children and teens continue to use derogatory words that are offensive to people with developmental disabilities whereas such comments involving race, ethnicity, gender and even weight are strongly discouraged. Many adults are unaware that these references are hate language.
Change is slowly coming. One of the most diverse TV programs ever, Glee, had two special needs adults among the cast. And at least one Naperville church, Good Shepherd, started a special needs ministry. Their FUSION program is meant to “reach and serve families impacted by special needs and create an environment for them to discover and embrace a relationship with Jesus Christ.” It offers: One-on-One Buddies so parents can worship without distraction, and also provides buddies during student ministry so students can participate with their peers. They also offer Buddy Break, free monthly childcare for children with special needs.
My niece, and others with such disabilities, would appreciate more such efforts, as would their hard-working parents.
For more info, visit www.goodshepherd-naperville.org/connect/fusion.
