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What I want you to know!

What I Want YOU To Know About Individuals With Disabilities
Celebrating National Development Disabilities Month
It’s March, which means one thing. It’s National Developmental Disability Awareness Month.
This national holiday was first observed in 1987, serving as a time to increase public awareness, encouragement, and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
We recently asked individuals at Echoing Hills to answer this question, “What do you want others to know about individuals with disabilities?” We will share their responses throughout March on Facebook; however, they were so impactful we wanted them all together as well!

“Please look me in the eye and talk slowly to me and wait until I respond so I know you know that I understand.”
-Alex (EchoingU of Northeast Ohio)
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“We’re people. We’re the same as anyone else.”
-Amy (Echoing Connections of Northeast Ohio)
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“People with disabilities can be independent and they can speak up for themselves. They can be anything that they want to be.”
-Ashley (EchoingU of Northeast Ohio)
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“I still love to go out and do things. I like to cook, I like to socialize with people, and go shopping.”
-Becky (Community Living of Central Ohio)
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Everybody has disabilities. Some are just harder to see.”
-Brian (Echoing Connections of Northeast Ohio)
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“I have disabilities. I don’t show it but I don’t process things very good. When I talk to somebody it takes me a long time to think about it.”
-Chloe (EchoingU of Northeast Ohio)
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“If you can’t understand me, take time to ask me to repeat it – don’t just move on.”
-Cole (EchoingU of Northeast Ohio)
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“I enjoy getting out into the community and watching local sports teams such as Wright State University and the University of Dayton basketball.”
-Curt (Community Living of Southwest Ohio)
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“Treat me like a normal person. Don’t make fun of how I walk. Don’t assume you know what I can and cannot do. Ask me first.”
-David (EchoingU of Northeast Ohio)
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“Sometimes people have a tendency to underestimate people with disabilities. There is so much we are able to do when given the chance.”
-Gordon (Community Living of Central Ohio)
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“Not all people with disabilities are the same! People seem to think that we are unable to handle tough situations. People with disabilities can lead a normal life.”
-Heather (EchoingU of Northeast Ohio)
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“We are people before the disability.”
-Jackie (Community Living of Central Ohio)
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“A person with disabilities can do anything they want.”
-James (Echoing Connections of Northeast Ohio)
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“Get to know us before you judge us.”
-Jamie (Echoing Connections of Northeast Ohio)
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“We can do the exact same thing as others, we just have our own special way of doing it.”
-Jenny (Echoing Connections of Northeast Ohio)
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“Even though people can have disabilities doesn’t mean we’re not smart.”
-Jordan (EchoingU of Northeast Ohio)
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“We can make choices, get jobs, and be independent.”
-Kelsey (EchoingU of Northeast Ohio)
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“When you take the time to get to know someone with disabilities, it can change your life.”
-Kristy (Echoing Connections of Northeast Ohio)
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“I like people and want to be able to say “hi” to them. I am happy because I think everybody moves me.”
-Mica (EchoingU of Northeast Ohio)
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“I like who I am. When you stare at me, I feel like you don’t like me. I like everybody.”
-Neil (EchoingU of Northeast Ohio)
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“Treat them like you would want to be treated. I care about people so I want them to care about me.”
-Noah (EchoingU of Northeast Ohio)
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“Not all disabilities are seen.”
-Nyeeda (Echoing Connections of Northeast Ohio)
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“Disabilities don’t define us.”
-Patrick (Echoing Connections of Northeast Ohio)
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“I have many talents and would like the opportunity to show others, in the community, how to do them.”
-Rebecca (Community Living of Southwest Ohio)
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“I wish people knew how friendly I am and I don’t like it when people stare at me.”
-Sarah (EchoingU of Northeast Ohio)
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“I like to get out into the community with others but don’t like when people smoke around me.”
-Suzy (Community Living of Southwest Ohio)
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“I am smart, motivated, and I like to study and learn new things. I am a self-advocate and a people person.”
-Toniema (EchoingU of Northeast Ohio)
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“We can do anything we set our minds to.”
-Walter (EchoingU of Northeast Ohio)

Love. Learn. Worship.

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