Butterfly

 Being born with Down Syndrome has never stopped me from reaching my dreams and goals in life.  Down Syndrome is a disability that impacts every part of my life and creates both challenges and opportunities.   It is not easy to have a disability, because I have to work hard to succeed and sometimes people can put limits on my potential. However, I have learned so much on my journey and my life is filled with many blessings.

 

I was one of the first students fully included in my school district and community. Inclusion means that I was a full member of the general education classroom with my peers and I learned everything that other kids my age learned. I participated in any of the activities I was interested in and felt like a full participant.  Inclusion changed my life and opened doors for me that were previously closed for people with disabilities. People opened their doors, minds, and hearts to include me and I am grateful. 

 

Now, I live a full life in my community. I have a few jobs, I am involved in clubs, I volunteer and I am a board member for a few organizations.  Butterflies for Change is my own organization. I do public speaking and inclusion training around the country. I encourage people to think about inclusion of people with disabilities in a new way and give everyone a chance to fully participate in their school and community.

 

  I have learned a lot of amazing things on my journey and I want to share them with others who are designing their own lives.

 

In this blog I will share lots of success strategies that might be helpful for others. My strategies are things I did in my own life that helped me. I will also share many ideas about inclusion, person-centered
planning to design your own life, finding your voice, and learning to fly with full wings. I hope I can contribute and inspire people to dwell in the possibilities.

 

I am passionate about helping people with disabilities find their own voice and live full and exciting lives. I believe people with disabilities can be strong self-advocates and also, they can contribute in many ways in their community and be leaders. 

Bridget Brown 8/28/21 

Self Advocacy Rocks!!! Monthly Blog Post With Bridget Brown

 The importance of self-advocacy is to have the:

● Ability to make decisions that affect your life

●The Knowledge to use effective communication skills to get what you need

● Ability to access available supports when needed

Each month Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center will host a Blog post written by Bridget Brown. Bridget Brown is a young woman with Down syndrome who captures the attention of everyone with her vitality and confidence.  Bridget travels the country as an inspirational, public speaker. She speaks to audiences of students, teachers, parents, and administrators. In her keynote presentation, “Dwell in the Possibilities,” Bridget shares her incredible journey as the first person with a disability included in general education classes in her school district. She also speaks on a variety of topics that focus on living full and exceptional lives. Bridget founded an advocacy organization that is dedicated to helping people with disabilities find their voices so they can share their hopes and dreams with others.  

You can read more about Bridget by clicking here http://graytalentgroup.com/talent/bridget-brown/