Listening to impacted voices

As a parent to adopted children of color, I have learned that listening to the voices of adoptees and to the voices of Asians has helped me understand what my children may experience. Sometimes it is hard because what those voices tell us isn't always what we want to hear. We like to be the good guys in the story, but we also need to hear where we (or the majority culture) has fallen short. It is humbling, but necessary in order for me to be the best parent I can to my children. 

This is also true for people with disabilities. I feel fortunate that I had a friend with another mom when I had two young children. This friend also happened to use a wheelchair due to childhood polio and was a disability advocate. I learned a lot from her and I am grateful for both her friendship and my education. I also know now that I should not have put the onus of education my clueless self on her, but should have also worked to educate myself. But you don't know what you don't know. 

Which brings me to the book I finished this afternoon, Upward Bound by Woody Brown. Everyone should read this book if they care about being a better human being. The setting is an adult day program for disabled adults who are unable to care for themselves. We meet some of the attendees,  some of the people who work in the center, plus a few others. It is very well written and a completing story. If this was all I told you about the book, it would be worth reading, but you should also know that the author is the first no speaking autistic graduate of UCLA as well as having an MFA in creative writing from Columbia. 

Here is a book that can help you educate yourself on autism and global disabilities. Read the book. It is worthwhile not only for a good story but because it will make you a better human.