By Mardra Sikora 

Many of our community, when we hear the name Ethan Saylor, get a battle weary sensation tingling under the skin, and an ache that surrounds our heart. So much for “justice” and all that that implies…I know. I get it. However, I’m going to ask that you continue to read and keep talking about Ethan and I’ll tell you why.

First, because change cannot come if people give up asking for it. Ethan’s life was too high a price to pay. Before the name Ethan Saylor came into my vision, I had no idea how unjust the system is when it comes to police accountability and inquiries. With all of the recent grand jury scrutinization, it is important that we keep talking about the need for independent investigations and how the death of Ethan Saylor at the hands of three off duty officers is not something to be swept under the rug; his life had value and those who stole him from his family and his community should be held accountable.

#JusticeForEthan must remind and rally us to hold officers accountable as we move forward. I wish I knew how to do this more concretely, but I hope if we keep talking about it we’ll find someone who can make this change. Have you read about Michael Bell and what his father has learned and done since his son was killed by police?  Change doesn’t happen in silence. Well, actually, some change does happen in silence, and it is the scariest. We cannot allow silent changes, we have to be a part of the noise. David Perry speaks to the cult of compliance , his determination to voice on this subject ranges across platforms. Ethan’s life has been one of many, too many, to be lost without consequence.  

Let me tell you about the “man voice pill.”

Marcus and I like to watch old Disney cartoons together, like classic Mickey Mouse and friends. Not black and white, he’s generally only interested in color TV, but classics just the same. One of our favorite characters to watch together is Donald Duck. Poor Donald, always getting into trouble.

In one particular episode Donald tries selling hairbrushes door-to door. At each house, as soon as Donald speaks, the door is slammed in his face. Why? Because no one can understand him, because they don’t want to or like to hear his voice.

But wait – there’s hope! A man selling a magic pill. When Donald swallows this pill, he approaches each door with his new smooth voice and now it’s all smiles, all go. Doors open.

Marcus sat up quite straight at this plot.

“I want that.” He said, “I want the man voice pill.”

Hello Friends,

A few days ago President Obama signed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.  If you're interested in a PDF of the bill summary, just let me know and I'll shoot you a copy.


I wrote a brief post here on The Road We’ve Shared about a month ago about Sheltered Workshops and it can be found here.

This week I  posted a more complete rant, as I lovingly call it, in three parts. 

1)      Why Sheltered Workshops Work?

2)      What Forces People Into Sheltered Workshops?

3)      What is the Answer to the Sheltered Workshop Question?

Well, that’s enough light reading for today J Please do keep us at The Road in the loop of what you know and learn and also please share any way/where you think we should be adding a voice. 

And remember that all points of view are respected and valued here on The Road. 

This blog originally was posted by Grown Ups and Downs February 26, 2014.

In my house a common argument is “Admit it, you’re an extravert.”

“Nooo – you are the extravert!”

“You are!”

“No, You are!”

And so on…

This is because my husband, who denies being an extravert, is generally the most liked person in any room because he knows everyone in it.  He knows their names, their pet’s names, sometimes their kid’s names, and other criteria that can only be found by engaging in conversation.  He likes to make people laugh, and is often successful with this endeavor.  He is a musician and has performed for crowds of many sizes in many venues. He actually talks to the neighbors, and since we live in suburbia this is not a required social function. The only real complaint of his last employer was that, well, he spent too much time socializing. A trait which he saw as an integral part of his job as self-proclaimed good will ambassador between departments. Doesn’t really sound like an introvert does it?

Karen Bowersox didn’t realize there was such a need as special clothes for people with Down syndrome, or even know that she was an entrepreneur until she tried to find clothes for her granddaughter, Maggie. After a nudge from her daughter, she hired a designer and they began their journey of supplying clothes for people with Down syndrome via Downs Designs.

The Downs Designs mission includes the goal of providing, Persons
with Down syndrome proper fitting clothes made for their unique body shapes. They also aim for comfort, ease of use, and no tags. 
  
Marcus’ Downs Design jeans arrived in May just before our trip to Denver for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation model auditions. We used the Try on Service option and HOLY COW Karen and her team made it easy. (Check out my full Downs Designs review here – and also fun notes about the audition.) 

Today Marcus and I took the pile of annual reports  paperwork to the probate office at the courthouse.  Ooooh, sounds scary doesn’t it? Well, it is a bit intimidating, but everyone in the office has always been super nice and helpful to us. While one person was checking over and stamping paperwork with the big, official, stamp another scooted up to the counter and asked of me, “Would he like a sucker?”

I turn to Marcus, “Would you like a sucker?” 
 
“No. Thank you.” He said to the lady as she pulls up a little “tree” of Blow-Pops and what-nots and places it on the counter. “Too old.” He said to me.

“You’re too old for that?” I asked.

 “Yeah.” 

I had to smile.  

Originally posted in Feb 2014, part of The Road's social theme.

Monica and David, winner of several documentary film awards including Best Documentary at the Tribeca Film Festival. Have you heard of it? 

The film follows Monica and David, both of whom have Down syndrome, from just before their wedding to just after their one year anniversary. The documentary includes real time video of their day to day lives as well as interviews with Monica, David, and people from their families. 

Marcus was introduced to Broadway, I mean the real Broadway, because I had a job that allowed me to travel to NYC once a year or more.  Had being the opperative word. So last year, when Marcus was jonsing to see You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, we decided to take a Theatre Road Trip.

Originally posted by Mardra of Grown Ups & Downs 1/15/2014