My thoughts and prayers are with Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R- Washington) and her husband as they begin their journey into the world of parents of children who have a disability. (Click here for article)


They will find their child is the light of their lives. Kids are kids are kids. Their challenges will be rooted in the relationships they will need to build with a variety of professionals in their quest to ensure their daughter has access to the supports and services that will help her develop to her potential.


As the parent of several children with disabilities the best advice I can give to new parents: focus on your child's strengths and shower your child with experience after experience. Whatever you have to do to communicate with your child- do it. Learn some basic sign language to see if it helps (it almost certainly will, especially in the first four or five years) and be patient as you wait for milestones to be met.


Make sure that the doctors treating your child value your kids and their futures.

I Am I Belong

by Susan Shogren Smith

Many years ago
People like me were left to die
The lucky ones were locked away
No one to visit them
No one to care for them
As they cried themselves to sleep
And craved for someone to come
They knew in time our day would come

Always remember that
On a different day
I could‘ve been you
On a different day
You could’ve been me
But fate got in the way
And chose our roles to play

Then one day
In the USA
Moms and dads began to fight
Began to demand our rights
They said "no more" and kept us home
They helped pass laws and open doors
They freed us from darkness
And helped us to hope

Always remember that
On a different day
I could‘ve been you
On a different day
You could’ve been me
But fate got in the way
And chose our roles to play

Who was I
In my mother’s dreams
Who was I
In my father’s hopes
What could’ve been
Will never be
But what will be
Could be better than you can see

Always remember that
On a different day
I could‘ve been you
On a different day
You could’ve been me
But fate got in the way
And chose our roles to play

Now here I am
Being all I can
Praying for your acceptance
As I try my best
Let it be enough
Let me lead my life
Help me find my way
Show me I belong

And remember that
On a different day
I could‘ve been you
On a different day
You could’ve been me
But fate got in the way
And chose our roles to play