An Advocate's Dream

As an advocate, educator, and friend, I have a dream:

• That people will realize the pain they cause others when they use degrading names like the R word.
• That more employers will welcome the opportunity to hire more adults with disabilities and see that they are hard and dedicated workers just like any other employee.
• That society will stop assuming that people with a disability can't contribute to society.
• That our community will change their glaring looks into friendly smiles.
• That our community will see the person FIRST and their diagnosis later.
• That parents will educate their children about classmates in their class who may be ‘different’.
• That society will become more empathetic towards parents who’s child may be having a moment (just like any other child) while in public.
• That people will teach to a student's capabilities and not believe they're unteachable. 
• That restaurants, clothing stores, and other business be more accessible.
• That front line staff will be celebrated and appreciated for the GOOD that they do and not recognized for the mistakes that only a few choose to make.
• That wait list be shortened, that funding be increased, and more free services be available.
• That everyday be an awareness day, and not just one day in a month.
• That people realize that Teaching Assistants/Educational Assistants are WAY MORE than our title: We are educators first and foremost, friends, protectors, nurses, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech and language therapist, dietitians, (I can go on)
• That there be WAY more: love, unity, acceptance, inclusion, education, support, and awareness (just to name a few)
• And less: stigma, judgement, stereotypes, bullying, closed doors, lost voices, hurt feelings, and misunderstood individuals.

If you believe in this dream too, I encourage you to share it. Help others realize that this dream can become a reality.
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