Family NET Works: Maryland’s most comprehensive online resource for disability-related information and supports

Spotlight

Siblings Speak Out!

Over the next few months we will be sharing stories and testimonies written by children and adults that have a sibling with a disability. You will hear their concerns regarding what the future holds for their loved one and most importantly why Maryland needs to END THE WAIT NOW!

My name is Brian Hickman and I am 14. I am here to tell you about my sister, Sarah. Sarah is 12 and she has Down syndrome. Sarah is in the 7th grade. She has taught me to not only accept people with disabilities, but to stand up for people that cannot always stand up for themselves.

She has taught me to take time to listen to her sometimes difficult speech so that she may be understood. Sarah has taught me to walk with her in public places and ignore the occasional stares of strangers, because my being next to her helps her stay relaxed. She has taught me to not tell her to hurry up and not snatch tasks from her hands because she needs time rather than help. And, my sister has taught me to ask for her help, because she needs to be needed.

Sarah currently receives funding from DDA. I think that this funding has been a huge benefit to my sister. The activities that she has been able to access from the funding she receives from the DDA has improved her self-confidence, helped her make new friends, and improved her overall quality of life.

My family and I would be very concerned and disappointed if Sarah could not access the benefits funded by the DDA. Please support continued funding of the DDA Waiting List Initiative. Thank you for your time.

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Welcome to Maryland’s most comprehensive online resource for disability-related information and supports
Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature February 25th, 2010 Click Here and Register Today! See what you can do to END THE WAIT NOW!!! Go to www.endthewaitnow.com Through SafeLink Wireless Service, qualifying Maryland residents can receive a Free SafeLink Wireless phone and a Free cellular plan that gives them 64 minutes every month! To learn more about the program read this article: Free Wireless Benefits in Maryland or go to their website at www.safelinkwireless.com. Check out these great upcoming workshops! Go to http://www.matcoop.org/training/training.html#current to see what is being offered! Check out this new Documentary, "Including Samuel"		Siblings Speak Out! Over the next few months we will be sharing stories and testimonies written by children and adults that have a sibling with a disability. You will hear their concerns regarding what the future holds for their loved one and most importantly why Maryland needs to END THE WAIT NOW! My name is Brian Hickman and I am 14. I am here to tell you about my sister, Sarah. Sarah is 12 and she has Down syndrome. Sarah is in the 7th grade. She has taught me to not only accept people with disabilities, but to stand up for people that cannot always stand up for themselves. She has taught me to take time to listen to her sometimes difficult speech so that she may be understood. Sarah has taught me to walk with her in public places and ignore the occasional stares of strangers, because my being next to her helps her stay relaxed. She has taught me to not tell her to hurry up and not snatch tasks from her hands because she needs time rather than help. And, my sister has taught me to ask for her help, because she needs to be needed. Sarah currently receives funding from DDA. I think that this funding has been a huge benefit to my sister. The activities that she has been able to access from the funding she receives from the DDA has improved her self-confidence, helped her make new friends, and improved her overall quality of life. My family and I would be very concerned and disappointed if Sarah could not access the benefits funded by the DDA. Please support continued funding of the DDA Waiting List Initiative. Thank you for your time. Submit a Spotlight Idea \| Past Spotlights
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