I have lived with cerebral palsy all my life, use a
wheelchair, and had the priceless
support from my family and community around me as a young boy. That’s why the
recent story of Brenda Millson and her grandson Max extremely disappoints me
and has me very, very concerned. Max is 13 years old and has autism. Ms.
Millson had an anonymous letter delivered to her in Newcastle, Ont. suggesting
the family either leave the neighborhood or Max … well, you read the letter
below.
This type of behavior is sad, on so many levels. It is also
darn right scary for people with disabilities to have people who have such
attitudes. Horrifying, in fact. And it lends itself to ask countless questions:
what would cause someone to do this; do we need more public awareness campaigns,
starting with government and the non-profit organizations representing
disability, challenging and remember to include people with disabilities; do we
need to provide better support systems to include people with disabilities in
communities, creating even more understanding; do we take a deep look at
ourselves and re-examine our own
beliefs; do we …?
I feel terrible for Max and his family. In an ever-increasing
population it is indeed a shame we, as a society, have not embraced one another
more—despite our abilities and disabilities. I am hopeful, though, this is an
isolated incident will create discussion and education. In the end, the community around Max will support him
and give him everything he need to
succeed. I have faith it people. I speak from experience.
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