LITTLE PEOPLE SEE A PERSON, NOT A SYNDROME
This is Seb and Ella, aged 4. They have known each since birth and they are second cousins. Ella’s mum and I were pregnant at the same time and the children are a couple of months apart. They have only ever known each other as Seb and Ella and they have a wonderful friendship. They often meet up at family parties and their paths sometimes cross through school too – although they are at different schools we live in the same neighbourhood so some of the children on our street that we know and play with go to school with Ella.
Ella has never asked any questions about Seb. About his speech delay or learning delay. She doesn’t see a label. Or a syndrome. She just sees Seb and all that Seb is. A typical boy who loves football and parties!
I believe inclusion – in schools, communities and society, will breed a new generation of acceptance that will not “see” disability and will celebrate every human on this earth as both unique and equal.
Little people see a person. not a syndrome.
Force of Nature 
Reblogged this on Thinking 21.
LikeLike
Hi,
I read your post via the BBC. It was really moving, and very brave. I grew up with a relative with a disability and knew nothing of her illness really until their condition worsened. To me she was this beautiful, loving, ever-present and talented person. Her mother treated her as you do your son, she went to mainstream school, grew up to have a job. Her life was rich with love of relatives and friends as your son’s will be too. Don’t feel guilty. Energy spent on regret is wasted. Invest your energy into yourself, relationships and your lovely children. You are doing great.
LikeLike
A beautiful comment, many thanks for taking the time to write it, I really appreciate it! I’ve yet to find the bbc piece, a couple of people have said they’ve seen it today. Thanks again. Caroline
LikeLike
My son goes to school with a boy with Down Syndrome. None of the children see the label butsee a boy like them. We can learn so much from kids. My son doesn’t see my wheelchair as a disability he sees me. I wonder when the discrimination starts and how it can be stopped -maybe our kids should do the teaching. ..
LikeLike
Lovely comment Rebecca, thanks for sharing. I really believe inclusion is key as hopefully our children will continue to grow and see beyond the labels. Not knowing anyone disabled when I grew up did mean it became something to fear and feel awkward about. It’s no wonder when people with disabilities were taken out in groups that others assumed that they were all the same and didn’t think to see them as individuals. Thanks again for your heartwarming comment x
LikeLike