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Your Stories

December 19, 2016 | North America: Oregon

Best Friends see with their hearts!

By Jennifer Mitchell

She SEES Jonathan! Other kids look through him, or see him as having little to give!View Story ▼My daughter is 9 and is a high-functioning autistic child. In first grade, a new kiddo came to her school. She & Jonathan were kindred spirits from the start! She SEES Jonathan! Other kids look through him, or see him as having little to give! Their loss!!! We were watching a show about adults with Downs syndrome, & I asked her if she knew that Jonathan has the same condition. She said "No, I didn't know that. Hmm. To me, he's just Jonathan". I started crying tears of joy and pride, love! It startled the autistic child sitting beside me! She asked what was wrong, and I explained that nothing was wrong, everything was just right! Physical contact such as hugging, is not allowed at my daughters school. But when Jonathan is having a hard day, and they sit in group circle, he always sits next to my daughter, and lays his head either on her shoulder or her lap! And this has been allowed. It would be nice, if the world could be seen through my daughters, and Jonathan's eyes!

About Jennifer Mitchell:I am a mother to a beautiful child with Autism, who's best friend just happens to have Downs Syndrome, but that does NOT describe him!
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December 19, 2016 | North America: New Jersey

Brother

By Concerned Person

I have an amazing brother with autism, and I'm tired of people using the r-word without knowing its actual meaning!View Story ▼I have an amazing brother with autism, and I'm tired of people using the r-word without knowing its actual meaning!

About Concerned Person:I want to remain anonymous
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December 19, 2016 | North America: Pennsylvania

My story

By Angela Page

I was always considered slow in school. Because of that I was put in special education my whole school career.View Story ▼I was always considered slow in school. Because of that I was put in special education my whole school career, unfortunately, until I dropped out. When I was 15, a teacher called me that word and said I would never be able to go to college or do anything with my life. That led me to a long depression, and I dropped out. It wasn't until I met my husband and he made me see I was worth something and I could follow my dreams did I come out. Now I am working on getting my GED and when I get it, I will go to college and follow my dream of being a deaf education teacher. That would take at least 4 years of my life and I will not let my family, friends or myself ever be called that again.

About Angela Page:I am 25 married and have a 2 years old son. I spent most of my life in special education and being treated unfairly. Over the years though I have gotten over that and am able to live my life.
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December 19, 2016 | North America: New York

What my Mom taught me

By Amber Duckworth

I grew up being a little slow in school and because of that I was never treated nice and was called the r-word.View Story ▼I grew up being a little slow in school and because of that I was never treated nice and was called the r-word. But my mom taught me "Think before you speak" and "Treat others the way you wish to be treated". I never was mean to them, I was slow but throughout my entire school day, even to this day I still get called such and have trouble speaking sometimes but I always remember what my mom told me and spread that to others and whenever someones mean I ask, "Is the way you treat me, how you want me to treat you?"

About Amber Duckworth:I am 17, class of 2017 I am just a normal girl who is tired of getting bullied and seeing others get bullied. I want to do what is right and this, this is what is right in my heart. Thank you.
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December 19, 2016 | North America: New Mexico

Standing up for what is right

By Angelica miller

One day in school a small group of boys were making fun of her and calling her names. They made her cry and it made me really angry.View Story ▼I have a friend who has cerebral palsy. Her name is Lucy. One day in school a small group of boys were making fun of her and calling her names. They made her cry and it made me really angry. I got mad and yelled and told the boys, "Stop making fun of her. What if you had a sister or mother like her? Would you want people to call them names and treat them badly?" One of the boys told me I'm stupid because I chose to help a weakling. I told them that they are the ones who are stupid and weak because they had to pick on someone smaller than them to make them feel better. After that the boys left me and my friend Lucy alone. Now, we have made a lot of new friends who support and love her.

About Angelica miller:My name is Angelic. I am 14 and I was told by my doctor's that I may be at risk of having a rare bone cancer and also a lung cancer. But that's OK Im still living
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Spread the Word 03.01.2017

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We've Pledged!

  • I have worked at a special needs camp for the last 3 years so ending this word is something that i take pride in.

    Alexa

    Marshall, Missouri
    945 hours ago

  • I pledge to stand for disability rights, see the ability, and give a voice to the voiceless.

    Eve Lampugnale

    Marlborough, Connecticut
    972 hours ago

  • Having a daughter who teaches Special Education in our local high school, the "R" word is a No, No!

    Sandra Farris

    Cuba, Missouri
    1031 hours ago

  • It kills me when someone is talking to me and says the word. My friends know not to say it by me. Make a difference!

    Alex

    Dolgner, Illinois
    1070 hours ago

  • I pledge to challenge my classmates when I hear the word used and show the world that not all teenagers follow the crowd.

    Emma Hattersley

    Brighton, United Kingdom
    1164 hours ago

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