Every person deserves to be met with respect and admiration for who they are, not for what they overcome. The qualities we often think of as admirable – confidence, self-advocacy, a sense of adventure, and choosing one’s own path – are universal. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are not here to inspire us, they are here to live full lives, pursue their dreams, and have their achievements valued with the same respect and inclusion as anyone else. Go Further as you envision what is possible.
Let’s move together toward a world where every person who says, “I want to do that,” has the support, access, and community to make it real.
Move beyond limiting beliefs that are unknowingly placed on others.
Go Further in what you may think someone with a disability can learn, achieve, aspire to, and obtain.
Skiing down a mountain, jamming on a guitar with friends, preparing a delicious meal for loved ones, powerlifting with a trainer, becoming a skilled builder, and purchasing a first home. Admire people for their skills and accomplishments. The person comes first, their achievements are defining, and their challenges are not the measurement.
Who knew people with disabilities can achieve so much? They knew.
Go Further.