Reagan is a 38-year-old lady with Down’s Syndrome. She is working part time as an office assistant with the Institute for Disability Studies at the University of Southern Mississippi.
During her school years, Reagan had wonderful opportunities and was included in all aspects of the general school programs. She participated in school plays, art programs, band, show choir, and was even enrolled in advanced placement U.S. History class in high school. After high school, her family moved to the Hattiesburg area. Reagan’s aunt and cousin were teachers at Jones County Junior College. They helped her to participate in the JCJC Marching Band and the Journalism/Yearbook Class for 1 year. In addition to these classes, she worked in the cafeteria for 1 year.
After these wonderful experiences, there were some lean years as we struggled to find ways for Reagan to continue to grow and mature and be productive in the community. We watched the sparkle in her eyes diminish and noticed she began to lose skills she had gained.
Then, we were introduced to the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disorders through the Step-Up to Leadership Council and the Institute for Disability Studies at U.S.M. Through these connections, Reagan became an active member of TRIAD AmeriCorps. We began to see the sparkle in her eyes return. We saw the joy and enthusiasm she exhibited form working together with others who valued her and treated her as an important contributor to society. Reagan is learning to advocate for herself and others. She feels and thoughtfully expresses her desires and goals for herself.
The IDS office assisted Reagan in accomplishing her personal goal of working with children. She volunteered at the Children’s Development Center on campus where she read to and interacted with the children. She also worked at the Health Clinic on campus where she greatly enjoyed learning about public health education.
She pursued and obtained access in receiving services through the Speech and Hearing Department at U.S.M. She requested the speech therapist to help her with skills for answering the telephone so she could do a better job as an office assistant at IDS.
One of Reagan’s life goals has been to “go to college.” She has truly been a self-advocate in this area. She has taken 5 classes at U.S.M., some for credit, some for audit. She really has enjoyed being a student again, learning new things and making new friends.
Reagan is a smart, funny and responsible lady who happens to have Down’s Syndrome. We know that there are some limitations that come with this disability. However, as parents, we never allowed anyone to suggest that she could not do something until she had the opportunity to prove whether or not she could do it. This UCEDD and IDS seem to have this same approach. They focus on abilities and strengths they see in young adults with disabilities rather than focusing on disabilities and weaknesses. Through interaction with these programs Reagan has gained a better understanding of what her disability is, what it means and does not mean for her.
Reagan has gained confidence in expressing her ideas and desires for bettering herself. She has become more independent in her decision making and a better advocate for herself and others. As part of this advocacy, she would like legislators to help more with post-secondary education and employment for people with disabilities.
In her words, “I have learned to be myself, to speak up very clearly, to be more of an adult, to work together as a team, to never give up, to follow my dreams, to be delightful, and to be a Southern Miss girl. Southern Miss to the top!”