Sep 07 2008
Finding the Abilities in disabilities
A good example of how well you child can do given the opportunities to succeed is Melissa Bishop.
Melissa was our key-note speaker at IMDSA’s 2007 Research & Awareness Conference. Melissa’s mom Susan always did her best to give her daughter the best opportunities to succeed. She never told Melissa that she could not do something. Instead, she encouraged her to try.
After Melissa finished high school, she and her sweetheart, Adam got married. Then, they moved across the country to begin their lives and careers on their own. (Adam’s parents live in the same area, but they are completely independent)
The couple owns their own home (something I wasn’t able to do till much later in life) , they own a restaurant (maybe more than one by now…) and they have a beautiful little girl who keeps them on their toes as most toddlers do.
Did I mention Adam was blind?
So, Adam is blind, Melissa has mosaic Down syndrome, and look at all they have and all they are doing! Since Adam is blind Melissa does all the driving. And, she is way braver than I am, because she drives all over the country whenever they need to go somewhere! (I do too…. just not so brave about it! lol)
A little extra surprise in this story…. Melissa and Adam are expecting their second baby!
Try your best to not put limitations on your child’s abilities. Remember to teach your child to say “I’ll Try” instead of “I Can’t” and watch their Abilities SOAR!
