Cheri had fought for this, every step of the way. No one had had high expectations for her. Well, no one but her mother. Girls with Down Syndrome weren’t supposed to achieve big things. They weren’t supposed to go to university, let alone graduate. The first year had been hard. Really hard. If she had had a physical or psychiatric disability, there would have been more help. But her university had never admitted anyone with an intellectual disability before. There were no supports in place for her. It took her three years to complete the credits.
What a wonderful story! Although it was a physical disability, I had a cousin who contracted polio when he was 4, during the great epidemic. He lived his life as a quadriplegic but accomplished amazing things. He earned his first money as a promoter for electric wheelchairs and that money allowed him to purchase an old building in Vancouver. With government help, he established a home for the newly paralyzed that offered physical and psychological support as well as help with navigating the assistance available to them. This was also successful so he bought a boat and set up tours of the Vancouver harbour for the disabled. And, to top it off, he married a woman from Nicaragua and they set up a school and then a library in a struggling community. Yes, he always needed help... he couldn't even breathe on his own. But he never stopped. His disability showed him where he could help and he just did it. One of my heroes 💕
What a wonderful story! Although it was a physical disability, I had a cousin who contracted polio when he was 4, during the great epidemic. He lived his life as a quadriplegic but accomplished amazing things. He earned his first money as a promoter for electric wheelchairs and that money allowed him to purchase an old building in Vancouver. With government help, he established a home for the newly paralyzed that offered physical and psychological support as well as help with navigating the assistance available to them. This was also successful so he bought a boat and set up tours of the Vancouver harbour for the disabled. And, to top it off, he married a woman from Nicaragua and they set up a school and then a library in a struggling community. Yes, he always needed help... he couldn't even breathe on his own. But he never stopped. His disability showed him where he could help and he just did it. One of my heroes 💕
Belief in yourself, a support team that believes in you, and someone willing to give you hope and a chance.
Thank you Dascha. My sister is with you in your invisible disability, "you don't look sick" 😔
Love this! ❤️
Such a story of Hope and good effort. We often view downs individuals with bias and fear. Thanks for this shining story!
I love stories like this! They give people hope who dare to dream! Great job!