This week, one of my favorite TV shows started a new season after a (far too long) hiatus. “Born This Way” follows the lives of seven young adults with Down Syndrome: Sean, Steven, Megan, Rachel, John, Cristina, and Elena. Down Syndrome has affected each of these people differently in regard to mental, physical, and emotional development; this means that some of them are considered more high-functioning than others. However, they are all united by one common message that has become the show’s theme: “Don’t limit me!”
“Don’t limit me” came from a speech that Megan presents all over the country as a motivational speaker. The cast of “Born This Way” uses that line to introduce each episode, as it sets the tone for the journey we see them take throughout the show. The message is clear: these people do not want you to limit their capabilities because of a disability.
Just to give you a preview of exactly what capabilities I am speaking of: Megan owns her own business, John is a rapper, Steven is a playwright, and Cristina is engaged to the love of her life. I could barely decide what I wanted for breakfast this morning, and these young people are making names for themselves and truly living full lives already! I am continually impressed by the spirit, strength, and character of the cast each week.
They show us that people with disabilities are fully capable of living a typical life. For example, a recent topic of the show has been dating and relationships (something most of us can relate to). Let me tell you, these individuals are ready to experience a meaningful love life just like the rest of us! They ask people out, they go on dates, they form relationships, and they break up. They experience love and heartbreak just the same as “typical” people do; in fact, all they wish is to experience life in the same way the rest of us do. This thought brings me to my point: don’t limit them!
What makes a good employee? Is it not work ethic, responsibility, or positive attitude? What makes a good friend? Is it not loyalty, honesty, or kindness? If you’ll notice, none of these attributes are inhibited by disabilities; they are qualities that anyone (typical or disabled) can possess. As a society, we need to do a far better job of promoting inclusion and acceptance. Adaptations and adjustments can be made to nearly any activity, job, or schooling situation to include our peers with special needs. We need to stop saying, “You can’t,” and start saying, “What can I do to ensure that you can?”
I am going to revert back to my early school days and use the age-old idea of putting yourself into someone else’s shoes. Think about it. Imagine you were an individual with a disability. Life has already thrown you its fair share of curve balls. You have something that makes your mind or body work differently than everyone else’s. You have already started life feeling ostracized and alienated.
What if you were put in the “special” classroom for the whole school day? What if you tried to approach a group of typical people, and they just stared at you and hurried off? What if you were benched in every sports event you played in? What if you were turned away from a job with the excuse, “I don’t know how this would be possible for you because of your disability?”
Now, imagine it differently. You are integrated into the general classes for several subjects in school, so your peers are comfortable interacting with you and building a friendship. You find an inclusive sports program that makes it a point to let everyone have a chance to play, regardless. You find a job program that trains individuals with special needs to work seamlessly alongside their typical peers.
Or, maybe, you get the dream job you have wanted your whole life because no one tried to stop you from attaining success in the first place. I hope it is obvious to you that this scenario is what we should strive for. Society must stop seeing a disability as a limit to a successful future.
Success can be attained by anyone, with or without a disability. Success comes from a strong support system that builds you up and propels you forward. We should count it a blessing to be a part of a support system that gives everyone the tools to have the life they deserve.
Our country has always stood by people achieving their dreams—“the American dream.” Is achieving our dreams only for the typical population? No! Stand beside those who may need extra help and guidance. Give them the same chance you were given. In short, don’t limit them!
