The Beauty of Inclusion

I remember it clear as day. Doctors were screaming, nurses were running, the heart monitor… flat. Nerves ran through my body as shocks from the defibrillator ran through my precious newborn brother’s.

I had imagined my baby brother as typical and perfect. But there he was, being resuscitated three times after the umbilical cord was unwrapped from his tiny neck. Finally the heartbeat was restored. I thought it was over there, but little did I know, my life was about to change forever.

Robby had many unnoticeable physical malformations. He was deaf, legally blind, eventually diagnosed with autism and was “categorized” as intellectually disabled.

Others were rude; they never understood. To them, my brother was a category and incapable.

I remember my mom saying that she hoped one day, her baby boy would be the captain of the football team. She dreamed of him becoming the president of the United States. She wanted nothing more than for her son to be incredible, to be able.

Our family was given a journey that was never planned. However, the tour guide that led us on this journey gave us the most incredible experiences. Robby is immeasurably smart, which far exceeds his diagnoses of “intellectually disabled.” Robby is funny, he is talented, he is unique, and he IS able. Robby is an incredible artist who draws from perspectives you could never imagine. Robby is an athlete who made our mother’s dream come true when he became the captain of his unified basketball team. Robby may never be the president or the star of the country, but he IS the star of our lives.

I believe that the only disability in life is a bad attitude. I feel sad for all of those who have underestimated individuals with disabilities because they have missed out on seeing a beautiful side of life. They will never see what I see when I look at my brother and others with special needs.

I believe that every child learns differently, acts differently, has different needs, but regardless of disability or illness, EVERY child deserves to be treated equally. Every child deserves to be given the same opportunity. No child should be limited because of their “limitations.” My brother and many others are a perfect example that there is no diagnoses or “limitation” that defines what a person can do. Anything can be fought through; what seems impossible can always be overcome.

I believe that all people deserve an equal chance. This includes an equal chance at an education. Every person has the capability to learn and every person should be held to high expectations and guided to reach those expectations. I believe that my brother and other individuals with physical and/or mental disabilities are not a category; they are incredible human beings just like you and me. They deserve what every child in this world deserves in schools, and that is an inclusive and equal education.