As a mother with a son affected with Fragile X syndrome -- a genetic disorder -- Emilie Weight believes that a diagnosis of disability can create opportunity, not despair. Her son’s differences compelled her to question her inner self and her role in the world. With this new mindset she discovered his true superhero qualities when she stopped treating him like a patient and started treating him like a partner, leading her to three essential tools for how to approach life.
In a talk that garnered a tearful standing ovation, Matthew Williams demands equality and respect for individuals with intellectual disabilities, told from the perspective of a Special Olympics athlete. Matthew Williams is a firm believer in the power of sport to transform lives. He experienced it firsthand when he joined Special Olympics in the eighth grade. Williams has achieved a great deal in his decade with Special Olympics. He competed in the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in basketball, where the first-ever Canadian basketball team to participate in a World Games finished fourth. He has also participated in track and field, swimming, floor hockey, and curling.
Karen Gaffney left the Rose City and the World in awe with a captivating talk that explored the history, current state and progress of Down Syndrome. Her idea? Inclusion. Further, we must refine our vocabulary and eradicate “the R word” as the word “retard” has no place in our daily language.
An accomplished musician, Valerie may seem like a normal twenty year old college student. However, she has invisible disabilities as a result of being a preemie baby. Valerie explains what “parts” she has missing and what she has to do on a daily basis just to function. Her story will make us all a bit more compassionate.
Loretta Claiborne's story is remarkable — from Special Olympian to inspiring speaker and advocate for others. Her work has ranged from supporting people with disabilities to working to help end bullying. In 2000, Walt Disney Productions created The Loretta Claiborne Story. "I figured if my story could change a person's mind about another person, or especially a child's mind about another child, then it was the right thing to do," Claiborne says. Loretta is a world-class runner and gifted motivational speaker who happens to also be a Special Olympics Athlete and a person who has an intellectual disability.
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