Guest Blog
I value the many sites and information that are out there for people with a disability and their families. Over the years, hearing from professionals and other parents have been a much-needed support and guide. But now that my child is a young adult, I want to hear from others “in his shoes” and so does he. He wants to hear their insights, opinions and most of all their life experiences. They have “walked the walked,” and along my son’s journey, that has often felt like a significant missing piece.
...my son really looks to and also needs to hear the voices of many with diverse abilities.
It seems like someone without a disability heads most disability sites and/or advocacy groups. These leaders may have very strong convictions to help, or it may be a close relationship that has been impacted by a loved one’s disability. I have no issue with that, but my son really looks to and also needs to hear the voices of many with diverse abilities to have more of a voice in the things that directly involve and impact him.
We need to hear in the forefront the voices that have lived these diverse experiences...
I feel stories need to be told and their advocacy heard for many like my son who feel left out of the discussion. It’s like the gay rights or civil rights movements being led by those outside that immediate group. That is NOT to say that allies and partnerships are not critical for change to evolve. It DOES take a Village. I just don’t want my son’s voice and the voices of many others sidelined to well-meaning others who think they know what is in their “Best” interest.
We need to hear in the forefront the voices that have lived these diverse experiences and hear them loudly as leaders and advocates in their own journey.