We often hear about the challenges in our society and daily environment regarding accessibility. These concerns are real and it is vital that we keep working toward a fully accessible reality. This means we are looking at multiple levels of attentiveness. Some immediate areas that come quickly to mind are physical barriers, equity of services, education for diverse learners and full inclusion as a valued and gifted member of human society.
As a parent of a child with Down syndrome, the need to be advocates for various means of accessibility is immediate and constant. When we (the individual with a different ability and their families) experience the good practices of accessibility, with appropriate supports in place, two thoughts come to mind: I am thankful and I think “so this can be done.” Thank you to all of you who help make accessibility possible.
This week I attended a wonderful evening, hosted by Hope International, of music, dramatic story telling and a presentation about the transformation of lives through the direct accessibility to clean water along with basic hygiene education. I was once again thankful and affirmed in the idea “so this can be done.”
Jean Vanier, founder of L’Arche, proposed a question for us all to deeply ponder, “Can we dream of a world where people, whatever their race, religion, culture, abilities or disabilities, can find a place and reveal their gifts?” I say yes with a thankful heart “this can be done.”
