I have three children. They all participated in various activities, such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, karate, fencing and horseback riding. They have been active members of the community, have volunteered, and had jobs. They have friends who have stood by them in difficult times, such as when their dad died after a 4-year battle with cancer. My children, now 25, 22 and 18, have shared similar experiences and opportunities. As they reached adulthood, we have discovered a challenge for my two youngest. Like their eldest sibling, they want a place of their own to call home.
My two youngest have a diagnosis of Down syndrome. For them, this means needing a little extra support with some daily living skills. Currently, there exists few options for them to live outside of their family home and inclusively in the community where they grew up. They are not alone in this challenge. A movement has begun across the country to address the deficit of inclusive, supportive, accessible and affordable housing options. To create inclusive communities, municipalities and developers must build residential properties which include units for people with and without disabilities. Whether someone has a sensory or cognitive challenge, uses a wheelchair, or needs extra help with daily living tasks, our uniqueness shouldn’t be a barrier to having a space of our own to call home. Please consider supporting the movement to create inclusive housing, which will build true community for people of all abilities. Visit ourplacenh.org
Peggy Mace
Dover