The TDSN is celebrating their 10th Buddy Walk. It is hard to believe that Thomas will be eight next month and that we have participated in the Buddy Walk each year since 2001.

A lot has changed since Thomas' arrival. Unfortunately, a lot has remained the same. In November 2000, I was thrust into the role of being the parent of a child with a disability and slowly over the past several years I have learned what that can mean. Mind you, I have not learned everything I need to know. However, I have learned that many people in today's society are still using archaic and barbaric stereotypes when visualizing individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.

Too many people believe it is acceptable to make fun of others by referring to them as "retarded' and when you try to educate them about it, complain that we are trampling upon their right to free speech. The first amendment protects a person's right to freedom of speech but it does not allow a person to yell "fire" in a crowded theatre, nor does it allow one person to call another person a "retard". The first amendment protection of free speech is about abolishing the shackles that lead to oppression and giving everyone a voice and the opportunity to live full prosperous lives...very similar to the work of the Triangle Down Syndrome Network and the families of children with Down syndrome.

Please help me and the TDSN to continue to tear down the walls of bigotry that prohibit individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities from enjoying the same opportunities that a majority of the population take for granted.

Okay, I still have a lot more I can say, but I am stepping down from my soapbox for now. Thank you for your interest and your continued support of my family and me.

Donna

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