Editor’s note: The Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities held an essay contest about inclusion in recognition of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The top three winners were recognized by the board. The first place winner received a $100 gift card; second place, $50 gift card; and third place, $25 gift card. The first place winner was Darcy Maxon, a student at Fairlawn High School.

By Darcy Maxon

Many people face great challenges in life, but those should not define them. These challenges are very prominent in communities where developmental disabilities are seen. Many of these individuals are not offered the same opportunities that others are. However, this should not be the case.

It is true that people should not exclude those with developmental disabilities from anything because they deserve the same opportunities that we have. Whether it be athletics, entertainment, or the arts these activities can present new opportunities and provide people with disabilities more engaging and fun ways of learning and socially interacting. This is especially true because I had the opportunity to work with the Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities. These activities opened people up, brought smiles to their faces, gave them loads of energy and hope, made them see that they do matter and showed that people care.

It is fair to all concerned that we do not exclude people with developmental disabilities because this gives everyone a chance to be a part of a group or club, because it does not consider limitations. For example, I got the opportunity to teach square dancing at one of the Board of Development Disabilities’ meetings. First glance, you would not expect many of the attendants to want to square dance since most of them were in wheelchairs. This did not stop us from going and asking them anyways. To our delight they were very excited to be asked to participate and danced around with us and followed the steps perfectly. If we had not included them they would not have had as much fun and would not have learned how to square dance.

Inclusion is essential to build good sportsmanship and make new friends. At a recent special Olympics game held at Fairlawn High School, our girls’ basketball team competed against the Shelby County Special Olympics team. All players were more open to have good sportsmanship and become friends with their teammates as well as the other team. For example, when the special Olympics team scored high fives were given all around, and when they stole the ball cheers erupted from all around. As the girls’ basketball team played against the special

Olympics team, we helped them to score and learned how to anticipate what they needed for their next plays. Including people with developmental disabilities in activities will be beneficial to everyone. This is especially true with inclusion. All participants will gain social skills, confidence in themselves, knowledge about new activities, and have fun. Additionally, it is very important to give yourself the opportunity to get to know people with developmental disabilities because they will help you just as much as you help them. Therefore, when people are included in different settings and activities, they get more comfortable and want to have similar experiences.

In conclusion, people with developmental disabilities should always be included. It is true that inclusion helps everyone. It is fair to all concerned because inclusion has no limitations. Goodwill and better friendships are created during these activities. Everyone benefits socially and has a great time when everyone can participate. According to the Special Olympics Athlete Oath, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” We should all be brave and help include everyone especially those with developmental disabilities.