“Mrs. Schulz, this is Alice at Food City…”   (my heart stops: what’s wrong?). “Billy is getting an award this afternoon at 3:00; I thought you would like to be here.”

Would I? I called Mary and we met at Food City a little before 3:00. Billy saw us and declared, “Mom, I getting a ward!” He was beaming as he led us to the meeting room at the back of the store. Chairs were arranged for seating and refreshments were placed on tables: chips, dips, vegetables, fruit -a generous assortment. Billy sat on the front row with his friend Michelle, I sat behind them, and Mary found a place where she could take pictures unobtrusively.

Brandon, the store manager, explained the awards to be granted for community commitment and for length of time employed at Food City. Billy was called to the front and presented with a pin representing ten years of employment at Food City, a chain of over 100 grocery stores in Tennessee, West Virginia, and Kentucky. It is a beautiful pin with 3 small rubies and a diamond. Billy accepted the pin with a big grin on his face, sat down and showed it to Michelle.

With tears running down my cheeks, I recalled the difficulty of our moving from North Carolina to Tennessee ten years ago, the anxiety of  finding a job, learning new skills and trying to avoid stressful situations. I thought of Jonathan, the friend who taught Billy the unforeseen  ropes and offered his friendship.

And I thought of Billy’s work experience: 21 years at Hunter Library in North Carolina and 10 years at Food City. That represents an employment record to be envied by anyone.

Not bad for a man who was diagnosed “trainable” as a child.

On January 28, I be 56 YEARS OLD.

I am born, January 28, 1956. And now I BE 56. That is the same number. Hunh. I like that.

Now I not be 55 any more. But I like that, be 55. It is a good year. But I be 56, now that’s bether!

Now I going to be a old, old man. But I like it.

You know what? Alan Alda born on January 28. Plays on M.A.S.H. I like that show, and it is so funny.

Know who else born on January 28? Is Elijah Wood, plays that hobbit in Lord of the Rings. I not like that movie, it’s too scary for me.

This is my brother Tom. And me.

Now, I got a good one for my brother Tom, loves art. Know who else born on January 28? Is Jackson Pollock. And Jackson Pollock DIED in 1956. Not me, I be BORN in 1956. That’s bether. But my nathew Warren and my brother Tom did paint like Jackson Pollock and my sister put that up over Warren’s windows, hah looks nice. You like it. I like Warren’s room when Warren comes home from college. I get a big, big hug on my nathew.

And nother one born on January 28 is Claes Oldenburg, nother artist, makes big, big sculptures like clothespin and bowling pins. I take care of my mom’s laundry for her, foldem up for her. And I play bowling on that WII with my neighbor name is Richard.

AND, nother one born on January 28 is my friend from church, Dr. Boggan. He is my doctor. Dr. Boggan says I’m doing pretty good for a old, old man.

This is my family, clapping for me.

You born on January 28? No? Well, I am, and it is big, special day. Everybody is so nice to me. You be nice to me, I like that. I be nice to you on your birthday, I promise, you mind me. But on MY birthday, is on Saturday, you not forget  it, okay? And if you forget, you tell me on Sunday. I like it, my birthday last a long, long time.

I hope I get a big surprise on my birthday. But not a box of frogs.

Now I gotta big surprise for you. It is a recipe. My sister make that up for me special, I drink it I go to her house for dinner. My brother John like it, too. I hope you like it!

The January 28 Cocktail

Fill a glass with crushed ice.
Fill it one-third full with pomegranate juice.
Fill it to the top with plain seltzer.
Spritz with lime juice, and add a thin lime slice for garnish.

Try it! It’s good! An my sister says it’s got antioxidants, keep me in good shape! Cheers!

My famous January 28 Cocktail. Cheers!

Love,

Billy

The following news was distributed by Disability Scoop:

Girl With Down Syndrome Lands Modeling Deal By Shaun Heasley, November 28, 2011

At a mere 14-months-old, Taya Kennedy is poised to take the modeling world by storm. And it just so happens that she has Down syndrome.

The toddler was one of 50 kids recently selected out of 2,000 who applied to the sought-after Urban Angels modeling agency in London, which represents kids who model for Stella McCartney, H&M and other big names.

Kennedy is already slated to appear in advertising for Early Learning Centre — a toy store — and the children’s clothing shop, Mothercare, both of which have locations around the globe.

Officials at the modeling agency say they chose Kennedy because she’s an “incredibly photogenic, warm and smiley child.” They say her disability played no role in whether or not she was selected.

“That she has Down’s syndrome did not enter the equation. We chose her because of her vibrancy and sense of fun,” the owner of the agency told the (London) Daily Mail.

“That she has Down’s syndrome did not enter the equation.”

—
Now that’s what I’m talking about! — Jane Schulz

Lauren Potter, who plays cheerleader Becky Jackson on Fox's "Glee," has been appointed to serve on the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. (Michael Yarish/FOX)

Adults with Down syndrome are speaking up for their rights and participating in events related to their interests and needs. As reported on Disability Scoop, a recent opportunity has been presented by President Obama for a young actress, Lauren Potter, to serve on the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.
Lauren, who has Down syndrome, portrays a cheerleader on the award winning TV show “Glee.” The committee Lauren will join consists of 21 citizens and 13 federal representatives who are charged with advising the president and the secretary of health and human services on issues pertaining to Americans with intellectual disabilities. Her recognition on “Glee” led Lauren to become involved nationally as a self-advocate, speaking out against use of the word “retard” and the bullying of people with disabilities.
Lauren is pictured with Jane Lynch, who portrays the cynical physical education teacher on “Glee.” Ms. Lynch is the sister of a young woman with Down syndrome who died recently. This event was poignantly portrayed on an episode of the program. (A discussion of this episode appears on my blog entitled “Life Expectancy”.)

Television has the potential and opportunity to promote awareness of and respect for persons with disabilities. We celebrate the enlightenment that “Glee” has advanced.

In addition to National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, October is also National Disability Employment Awareness Month. How appropriate that they occur in the same month!

In the last few years, we have seen many adults with Down syndrome in the workplace. Billy is one of them; he has worked at Food City in Kingsport for over 10 years. He was originally hired by Ed Moore, who has been a manager at the grocery chain for over fifty years. His philosophy is one that might be adopted by all employers.

Click on the image to see the Grown Man Now Interview Series; “Current Employment” is the name of this interview with Mr. Moore.

Interview with Mr. Ed Moore, Food City Manager

We also see adults with other disabilities in a number of work situations. Employers have found that many people formerly considered unemployable can be valuable members of the work force if they are trained properly and given the opportunity. Our president emphasizes their value to our nation in declaring October  National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Utilizing the talents of all Americans is essential for our Nation to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world. During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we recognize the skills that people with disabilities bring to our workforce, and we rededicate ourselves to improving employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors for those living with disabilities…

— Barack Obama, President of the United States of America

Are you aware of the many adults with disabilities at work in your community?