No less than the trees and the stars....

Desiderata....

 

....truth...

The Struggle for Equality...

 

I get so frustrated sometimes.

 

I hear and see people demonstrating and debating and getting riled up over equality for gay couples, equality for working parents, equality for single parents.

 

I see people weep for animal rights, for the right to love who they want, marry who they want, live where they want, recover from drug or alcohol addiction, and be educated like everyone else.

 

There are high profile people campaigning to protect the environment, the Orangutan, the rights of Indigenous people to their land and the footprints of Dinosaurs, millions of years old.

 

Who stands up for people with a disability?

 

What if ... you were Indigenous AND disabled...

 

... disabled AND had a same sex partner....

 

...disabled AND homeless...

 

...disabled AND substance addicted...

 

...who campaigns for YOU?

 

 

Where are the high profile Celebs who will put their name and face to the National Disability Insurance Scheme here in Australia?

 

They don't exist. And shame on them.

 

People with a disability are not soft and cute and fluffy, threatened with extinction, trendy or fun to be photographed with.

 

We, the families are their saviours, their heroes, the ones who stand up for their rights.

 

Equal rights.

 

And it's bloody tough.

 

Come on people. Put your name and face and energy behind something that's not trendy or beautiful.

 

Something that matters NOW.

 

Something that is truly life changing.

 

Please.

 

The environment and the Orangutans have enough supporters.

 

People with a disability do not.

 

Please care.

Celebrations...

 

Mr A turned 21 earlier this year.

 

This is one of many milestones he has reached recently.

 

Along with moving into his own home, setting up a ten pin bowling team, socialising regularly with friends, starting his own small business and owning a pet, it's one he's justifiably proud of.

 

It seems the norm these days for 21 year olds to still be living at home with Mum and Dad. Therefore Mr A is something of an anomaly in some circles. Add in his level of disability, and he is perhaps, somewhat unique.

 

The practical steps we needed to take to reach this outcome, are documented elsewhere in this blog.

 

The emotional ones are many and varied.

 

We never for a moment accepted that just because Mr A had a disability, that he would not just do what everyone else his age does...within reason. Riding a motorcycle is not a realistic goal, nor is becoming a brain surgeon, ballet dancer, or ball player. Although of those three, it was probably only ball player that was of any real interest...lol!

 

But attending a mainstream school, gaining a tertiary qualification, having a wide circle of friends, and moving into a home of his own, were all achieveable. And have been achieved.

 

So, what's next?

 

Number One, top of the list....a girlfriend.

 

Hmmm....online dating looks a possibility. With shaking hands and tremulous heart, we embark on the next mission. Surely it'll be easy compared to what we've done so far?

 

The Dr Seuss style cake depicted here is representative of our approach always. It doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be right. For each of us there is a Miss or Mr Right out there. Surely for Mr A, it's no different.

 

Wish us luck!