I work with several schools where Down’s syndrome folks are “included” in the football organizations. As someone that works on the sidelines for a living I need to be able to move quickly from place to place. I find them to be a pain in the ass. They block my way, they are aggressive, and they interrupt my ability to get my job done.
They might be a joy at home, but adult DS folks on the sidelines are a problem.
For example, one followed me for a quarter trying to get me to constantly take his picture, or prevent me from taking shots of the other team.
One blocked my way because “I wasn’t on the team.” Which meant he did not know me. He was getting pretty billegerent before one of his handlers jumped in to help.
One who kept screwing up a team picture. What should have taken two minutes took twenty minutes.. If it were just my twenty minutes, that would be one thing. But there were 147 people in this college football team photo. You think I was the only one pissed?
Then there was the “slow” guy who had become somewhat of a mascot. He sent out emails to all of the team members explaining where they could find the pictures online, how to access them with a password that was supposed to be held by the Athletc Department Staff, and he explained how to download the game photos—because he did not think they should have to pay for them. It cost me about $1,500.
Being a member of society means there is a time and a place for behavior. When people are allowed to roam through an environment they are not capable of handling, you will get bad results.
There is a running comment among sideline folks and refs, and that is, “ these days, every team has one.”
And yes, I have a DS adult in my family. And yes, my wife and I were faced with the prospect of aborting a baby after she tested off the scale for a potential DS child. And, no, there was never any thought about aborting our daughter.
Sorry for the multiple post. Stupid ipad.
Your post (x3) comes across as angry...
DS people are not “easy” to deal with at home - or anywhere. Most people are not “easy” to deal with...
I celebrate your LIFE choice for your children.
We should celebrate LIFE...