The Voiceless Minority

Did you know that there’s research out there that children with Down Syndrome meet developmental milestones much later than neurotypical children?  According to a 2024 study done by the American Academy of Pediatrics , there was a significant difference in developmental progress. In the study, 842 children and adults with Down syndrome enrolled in the Boston Children’s Hospital Down Syndrome Program were evaluated. It was reported that on average, most children with Down Syndrome walk without help by 4.5 years old, follow one-step directions (e.g., “come here”, “pick up _____”, etc.) by 5.5 years old, and drink from an open-cup without any assistance at 12 years old. In addition, it was reported that by their teenage years, 75% of children with Down Syndrome can follow two-step directions and use at least 50 words, signs, or pictures. By comparison, the average for neurotypical children meeting these milestones is when they are 2.5 years old. Now, if you know me, you know that I wa...

Photo Credit: shutterstock-entertainmentdaily.com                                                                                                  Recently, I wrote an article about how the word 'disability' is not a dirty word; however, for some people, the language they use to describe their disability is just as empowering as the word' disability. Whether you call it a disability or a difference, embracing it is key. British actor Arthur Hughes refers to his disability as an upper limb difference because he has radial dysplasia. Radial dysplasia is a disability in which the radial bone of one or both arms is missing. In some cases, such as Arthur's, other portions of the arm or hand may also be miss...

Over twelve years ago, when this blog began, I wrote a piece entitled “ Terminology Debate” . It talked about the power of language and the positive language I use to refer to my disability. In that blog, I talked about how some people view the word disability as a negative word. All these years later, I feel it is essential to have that discussion again. For those of you who followed my journey these last 12 years, you know I am a journalist and a part-time screenwriter. As a writer, it is my responsibility to use language effectively to convey my ideas. As humans, language is the one constant. That being said, it is our job as writers to adapt to change within the language or context in which it is used. I will be honest and say this is the hardest part of my job because I am not always politically correct. I say all that to get back to my main point: the word disability has been under attack in recent years, but I am here to defend it once again. In today’s society, people are easil...

A common topic discussed within the disability community is the need for affordable, accessible housing. A home is supposed to be a haven, a refuge to relax in, but for those with disabilities, an inaccessible home can be an unsafe hindrance. With the use of reasonable accommodations and universal design homes, people with disabilities can once again find a safe and accessible haven. One of the first lessons a person with a disability learns is to adapt to the world around them. Those who cannot afford a fully customized accessible dwelling can find it frustrating and ultimately unsafe. When I moved into my first apartment. I was placed in a unit that had steps at the entrance. The steps had railings on both sides. I was able to lift my four-wheel walker up the steps one-handed while maintaining my balance by using my other hand to hold onto the railing as I walked up the steps. I did this for a while until I had a decline in my health and had to begin using a wheelchair. From that poi...

  Do you support disabled entrepreneurs? If you answered yes, then you should wear purple socks on December 3!   Seems silly, right? Well, the idea for this came about last year from Victoria Jenkins, an award-winning adaptive designer, speaker, disability advocate, and writer. She backed last year’s Purple Sock Day as a way to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities.   Victoria Jenkins' work last year was an incredible way to support entrepreneurs with disabilities. Oftentimes, people with disabilities like myself are often told that we will never amount to anything, much less design a business or make any profits. Let’s explore other ways to support disabled entrepreneurs beyond just purchasing our product or using our service.   ●      Partner with entrepreneurs with disabilities in areas where they need more support. Let’s say you know someone with a disability who wants to start up a business. However, an area that they need supp...

I have been writing for this blog for 12 years. I have found a new passion in the form of advocacy, and over the last 12 years, I have not only found my voice but have also helped others find theirs. However, when I was younger, I had a slightly different passion, which some would have called an obsession. I was a hardcore gamer. The first system I could play by myself was the Super Nintendo. My favorite game was Bart’s Nightmare—one of the many Simpsons games that came out in the early '90s. I also played the classics such as Paperboy and Yoshi’s Island, just to name a few. That slowly changed as time progressed; my love for video games did not disappear, but my ability to use my hands drastically changed, and even though, whenever possible, I used an adaptive controller. It was basically an arcade-style joystick with big buttons to make it easier to see. Also, you did not have to use a great deal of force for the buttons to react to your touch. Unfortunately, as time and technolo...