Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His legacy is one that speaks to the generations about the advancement of equality and justice for every person, regardless of race, creed, or in the case of this blog, ability. While there are many places where one could reflect upon King’s work and achievements, my mind often goes to his important “I Have a Dream” speech from 1963.
It came, truly, at a moment when the Civil Rights Movement was seeking to break the logjam of inaction in Washington. A time when King and others sought to hold the country to its word on its desire to end segregation and truly create a land where all are truly free to be themselves.
King spoke of his dream of equality and justice, fairness and hope for those often marginalized by the system and the privileges of others. It is a dream that has inspired the generations, including myself.
His dream of inclusion and justice continues to be a dream for minorities in our country and world. It remains a dream, as well, for those within the autism community.
While there has been much to celebrate within the community towards creating a more just and whole community, there is still much work to be done in truly creating a society that looks upon autistic individuals and their families as children of God and people of sacred and holy value and worth.
Much like the dream of racial inclusion and justice, we have a long way to go towards the work of inclusion and justice that leads to acceptance of the autistic community.
We have work to do to create a society where autistic individuals and their families are only discussed through token measures of acceptance and inclusion. I dream of a day when our outreach and inclusion of autistic individuals and their families moves beyond topics of emotionalism and special events, but embraces a discussion that leads to true acceptance and accommodation.
We have much work to do to remove barriers of access when it comes to full integration in schools, churches, and the larger society. We have work to do to improve funding for home and community based services. I dream of the day when every church, every school, and every aspect of society seeks autistic individuals as valuable.
We have much work to do when it comes to supporting waivers, providing for quality therapies, removing harmful practices, and working towards embracing neurodiversity. I dream of the day when the voices of autistic individuals are amplified and seen as valuable in every aspect of life.
We have much work to do in removing harmful ideas and thoughts about autism. There is much to do in eliminating conspiracy theories and their implications for autistic individuals and their families, beliefs that autism is a disease, and other harmful beliefs. I have a dream that we will embrace a love for every person for who they are and how God created them to be.
We have much work to do, but I dream of a day when the work leads to a brighter world for my son, my wife, my family, and so many others. I have to dream of that day today.
Shannon Blosser 