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?

There is a new film released entitled “My Idiot Brother.” Following the current, intense battle against the use of the word “retarded,” I wonder if the use of this pejorative term will attract the same attention as the R word. Is idiot different from retarded?

When I first began my studies in special education, I learned the terms historically used to identify persons who had intellectual disabilities. The terms used were imbecile, idiot, and moron. After years of usage, these words became offensive and were changed to severely retarded, moderately retarded, and mildly retarded. Initially they were useful in identifying levels of disability and in planning educational programs. They also became used as hurtful words, slung at people in anger or rejection, such as “You idiot!”

See the connection? Whatever the term, as long as we remain insensitive to people who are vulnerable, those who have disabilities, and those who are unable to fight back, we will use terms in inappropriate and unkind ways.

Rather than fighting the word, let us fight the deeper problem – attitude. I think the answer is another R word: respect. In our family, we have words that we do not use. In addition to the words referred to above, we add “stupid” and “dumb.”

Billy asks me why we don’t use those words. I reply, “Because those words make people feel bad.” If we can teach that idea, we won’t have to stage battles to obliterate each objectionable word that comes along. And they will come along if we continue to believe that the word is the problem.

I, for one, will not see “My Idiot Brother.”

On April 9  Billy, Mary and I spent a delightful afternoon with a group called The Pure in Heart,  at Longs Chapel United Methodist Church in Lake Junaluska N.C. This long standing church/community group is led by Jackie Spencer, a former student and dear friend of mine.

Billy Schulz, Jane Schulz, Fred Spencer, Jackie Spencer reunite for the Pure in Heart

Jackie describes Pure in Heart as  “a group of adults who share Acts 2:42 dinner together, followed by a variety of activities with emphasis on fun, fellowship, and service. We work around and from our challenges, knowing that God’s strength is evident in how He enables us and calls us to help one another.”

What a reception we received from the Pure in Heart! Thank you!

The Pure in Heart includes persons with disabilities, their parents, teachers, and friends. They welcomed us with open arms (literally), listened to our stories, and shared their concerns and victories. We had revised our presentation to reflect changes in Billy’s life and my awareness of what I have learned from him. We called it Lessons From Billy.

Chris, who spontaneously led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance, is a photography enthusiast.

A surprise feature was the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Chris, one of the younger members of the group. Following the presentation, we enjoyed delicious refreshments and energetic conversation.

The philosophy of The Pure in Heart was evident:  “Every person on earth has special needs. Some needs are more evident than others. Within our church, we all find love, acceptance, and a little  extra help when needed. Every person also has special gifts and our friends’ gifts are well worth discovering.”

A few days later we returned to North Carolina to speak with students and educators at Western Carolina University. Dr. David Westling has invited us to join his students for several years and we always enjoy being there. This time Dr. Valerie Mazzotti welcomed us into her class (SPED 413) for our presentation. Afterwards we were treated with a lovely meal and a conversation full of ideas for the future of education! It is such a privilege  for Billy and me to return to a place we worked and loved,  to see our old friends and to meet new ones.

WCU's Dr. David Westling, Dr. Valerie Mazzotti, Dr. Lisa Bloom, and Dr. Jane Schulz

Both of these events, with unique audiences, illustrated the positive contributions that many people are making to ensure that persons with disabilities have opportunities to develop into happy and productive adults. Thank you, Jackie and David, for your dedication and passion for what you do and for whom you serve, and for  your gracious hospitality.

Everyone loves the dance club shirts! We have sold many to others outside the dance club. What a great way to spread the word about DIGS!

Barbara Monday tells the rest of her story (for now!) about  community living for persons with disabilities in Rome, Georgia.

The 1 Step @ A Time Dance Club was started when someone saw the need and volunteered to be the leader. Music is universal and everyone can move to the music in some way. Dance club meets once a month and membership has grown to 45-50 at each meeting. Admission is charged to help with the expenses of the recreation authority. Drinks and snacks are also sold at a nominal charge.  The purpose is not to make money but to be self-supporting. It also provides a more real world experience where not everything is free. Everyone is encouraged to handle their own money and to make their own snack choices. Several members are on diets and are choosing water or a diet drink instead of a Coke and choosing pretzels instead of a candy bar or chips. Members help with manning the snack bar and learning to work quickly to serve everyone.

Shawn now has his own business. He is using the money he makes to buy more of his own equipment.

Music for dance club was originally provided by a DJ who volunteered his time.  When he could no longer help, one of our members was able to step right in. He had been watching and helping all along and had gained the confidence to do it by himself!!!

Shawn listens to the other dance club members’ suggestions for music and prepares his play list. During the dance he supplies a lively commentary and makes announcements about birthdays and other news.

With what has been accomplished so far, DIGS has made a tremendous change in the lives of adults with developmental disabilities.  Not only are there fun activities to talk about and look forward to, but true friendships have been formed. Other activities are planned by our adults such as going out to eat, shopping or to a movie. One mother of a young man turning 21 said through her tears that this was the first birthday party she had planned where people actually came. One young lady remarked that everyone she had invited came to her party, except for four and they had other commitments.

To celebrate and kick off a capital fund drive, a groundbreaking was held at our donated property.

The goal of deinstitutionalizing adults and moving toward the housing model of the personal care home is to provide a less restrictive environment for our adults with disabilities. But placing them within the community does not guarantee automatic acceptance and inclusion. DIGS received a donation of land behind and beside two established neighborhoods. To celebrate and kick off a capital fund drive, a groundbreaking was planned at the property. We were met with angry phone calls, emails, a petition and signs of protest posted around the neighborhoods. Fears of lowered property values, vandalism and our residents left to wander their streets and harming their children were expressed.  This type of protest has happened many times in our area and most likely other places around the country. Although dampened, it did not take away our joy of achieving this step toward our first home!

Once a month art club meetings promote more than artistic abilities. Social skills of sharing materials and helping others are demonstrated at every meeting.

We considered what could be done to help calm the fears and educate people about our adults and found that just maybe we were already doing what we could and should be doing! The DIGS leisure opportunities appear to be providing a unique transition for both our adults and the community at large. With these activities, our adults learn skills that other adults enjoy. DIGS gives them the support and acceptance to learn and practice those skills along with guidance for appropriate behavior and any other associated social skills. Through these examples, the community is given the opportunity to meet our adults and to see them as people participating in a club….as people who are genuine and fun to be with…..as people who are not to be pitied or done for….but as people first, who just want to be accepted for who they are.  Isn’t that what every one of us wants?