Abby, this is everyone. Everyone, this is Abby. Confession: I met Abby online! A year ago I had never met a soul online (clearly I did not grow up with this online stuff!). And now, well, Activistas has become quite a network of active-minded mamas and Abby's one of them.
In the limited time I have known her, I have learned so much - about families touched by Down syndrome and the goals they have for their kids and their communities, and about effective advocacy (the NWDSA does impressive work). Something I have long believed has shown itself to be true (again) since meeting Abby: consciousness raising - and the progress it fosters - is easily accomplished when we connect with people who have different concerns than our own. So as we connect, we learn, as we learn, we expand our world view, and with that, mamas, we break down barriers. Hopefully you will enjoy meeting Abby as much as I have:
Describe your family. Me, my incredibly kind and patient husband (both in our early 30's), our 19-month old daughter, a dog & a cat. I realized the other day that the first letters in the names of all the living creatures in our house spell my daughter's name. Not sure what we can do about future kids. There aren't too many anagrams of "Adara" out there, even with the addition of one more letter. Ah, the challenges of being a mom.
Name one thing America is doing right for parents. Compared to parents 20 and 30 years ago, the outlook is amazing for the parents of a kid with a disability. Parents have fought long and hard over the years for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), and advocates continue to improve and update these laws to ensure the civil rights and free, fair and equal education for kids with disabilities.
Name one thing America is not doing right for parents. The intent of the above-mentioned laws are right. The problem is that states and school districts don't always follow the spirit of the laws, and it is still an intense battle for many parents to have their kids educated inclusively, integrated with the general school population, even when this is the best option for an individual child.
I live across the great river, and my daughter is not going to be ready for school for a few years yet, so my personal experience is limited, but I have many friends who struggle with PPS on a daily basis to keep their kids in integrated classrooms. What a waste of passionate parent energy; we should be fighting to advance our society, not scrambling to enforce the laws already in place.
What's one parenting issue that really riles you up, makes you ready to work for change? Working to create a society that welcomes and respects my daughter for who she is, how she is. Since my daughter was born with Down syndrome, I have tapped into a part of myself that I wasn't really aware of, and a closet Activista has taken to the airwaves. I have been writing letters to the editor, meeting with lobbyists, exchanging emails with my State legislators, and creating public exhibits to help create the world and opportunities I want for my daughter. It's fun and exhausting and inspiring, and I feel incredibly lucky to have the time to dedicate to this work.
Who's gonna get your vote for President ’08 & why? Although still unconvinced, I am leaning towards Obama because his speeches bring tears to my eyes, inspiring me in ways no politician has for years; I am prepared to be disappointed, but he sure talks the talk.
Name one thing Activistas could do to be a better place. More voices. Guestivistas could be a great way to get a diverse array of folks interested and active on your site. We all have our issues, but many of them come together at the nexus of creating a healthy, open, welcoming society for everyone. If we can pool our energies, and put some effort into each others' areas of interest and passion, we will be moving much more quickly toward the inclusive society that I dream of.
What's your fave thing about parenting in the Portland area? Having just moved to the boondocks across the river in Washington, I love that I can wake up in the morning to my view of pastures, rivers and fog, throw a piece of wood on my furnace, and jump in the car and be in such a fabulous city in about half an hour.
And another thing!! I used to be a private sort of person, but since Adara was born, I have realized that there is a time and a place for everything. Sometimes it just makes sense to put yourself out there. My first major decision in this regard came just over a year ago when, through an odd bunch of connections, I was asked to publish a piece in the Washington Post about my family. After a bunch of soul searching, I decided that more good could come of it than harm, and I said sure. I invite you to check out my piece. It is a snapshot of life in my family, and some of the things that have filled our plate over the past year or so.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/30/AR2007033001835.html
Wow - I read the WAPost article & all I can say is rock on, Abby & family.
Posted by: anon.2 | February 09, 2008 at 07:09 PM