Being relatively new to the blog universe, I’m trying to figure out how this all works. Thankfully, I’m honored to be associated with the multi-talented Magenta who showed me how. Left to my own devices I’d probably either flounder eternally in cyber space or throw this computer through a window. I’ve never been know for patience.

This leads me to the reason I’m writing today. I’ve been thinking about the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. more than usual the last few weeks. With the celebration of his birth and all the accompanying activities around it, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting and sharing with Magenta on what he was all about. His vision for this country and his “Dream” for all people has been the topic of many public events all over the country. I wonder how much was said about his patience.

I have heard far too often that people with developmental and physical disabilities have come a long way in society over the years. Some of the examples cited are along the lines of “most of the state run institutions that once housed folks are no longer in operation”. That saves those states a good amount of money. People tell you “self direction is much more prevalent than it used to be”. You’ll also hear "children with disabilities are now more included at school than ever before”. Without available resources, it really doesn’t mean much does it?

75% of people having disabilities are poor in this country.
35% of people with disabilities are employed. 78% of people without disabilities are employed.
46% of people with disabilities in the U.S. report having to go without needed medical equipment.

If Dr. King had focused on ideas such as “at least we’re no longer slaves” in 1963 or had written a speech where he proclaimed “I have a wish list!” the Black civil rights movement would have gone nowhere. He made demands. He made some people very angry. He raised his voice and shook his fist. He was impatient. Maybe we all need a bit more impatience.

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My son Erick Dowdy was one of the youth delegates to help with this bill. I wanted to say I am so proud of all the youth delegates from West Virginia! They have all done a terrific job! Erick and another youth delegate, Russell Pugh were at all the pre-planning events & meetings and did presentations on the bill. They both did a great job! I'm looking forward to next years Youth Caucus!
Sincerely,
Kelly Dowdy Simpson
Mountain State Centers for Independent Living
Huntington, WV

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