Respect, include people with disabilities

Thirteen years ago, we were blessed with a beautiful baby boy, enriching and challenging our lives in many ways. As a preschooler, he was happy, funny, bright, even reciting poems in French. When he was 3 1/2

years old, he began having seizures and was diagnosed with a severe form of epilepsy.

The multitude of seizures and side effects of medications have battered his brain and left him with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), making the seemingly routine tasks of getting dressed, learning to read and write and socializing with peers extremely challenging.

We are now advocates for individuals like our son, numbering 4.6 million in the United States, who need our voices to share their stories and highlight the challenges they face. March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. It is a time to celebrate the progress that has been made in improving the lives of people with I/DD and to speak up about what needs to be done to help them achieve full inclusion in our communities.

There are many ways to make a difference. Show respect and speak out against use of the R-word, volunteer, talk to your legislators to let them know you expect them to support public policy to assist people with I/DD. Attend The Arc March at 8:30 a.m. March 31 at Lindale Mall or make a donation.

People with I/DD are our neighbors, friends, colleagues and family members and we must ensure that they have a fair opportunity to achieve their dreams.

Sara Todd

Cedar Rapids