Ben had the honor of singing our song while being backed-up by “The Miracles”, a choir from Senatobia, MS at the National Down Syndrome Congress‘ 40th Annual Convention in DC. “The Miracles” is comprised of 24 talented men and women living with intellectual disabilities. What a blessing to hear our song sung by angels.
One of my favorite bloggers, Ellen Seidman (Love That Max), shared this message on Parents.com about this event: Thank you, Ellen!
“The National Down Syndrome Congress—And Its Amazing Guest Stars”
I am madly in love with the family who created the below video, The Wrights, not to mention the message they’re spreading. Parents Amy and Ben have four children; their youngest—Beau, 7, and Bitty, 2—have Down syndrome. As Amy says, “Since their arrival, we have made it our mission to advocate for people with intellectual disabilities and to help spread a message of inclusion and acceptance.”Many have spoken out against the use of the word “retard,” but loving videos like this (not to mention a self-composed song!) do an incredible job of spreading the word to end the word. Amy wrote “It Starts With A Voice,” and that’s Ben singing it. Proceeds from sales of the song, available on iTunes, benefit The Special Olympics. They will be performing it at the National Down Syndrome Congress Convention, happening next week in Washington, D.C., from July 19 to July 22. It’s the NDSC’s 40th convention, and in celebration the organization will be live-streaming 17 workshops and sessions for those unable to attend. You can read more about it and register (free) here.
I have a feeling The Wrights will be getting a standing ovation.
As Amy has said, “I am so passionate about spreading this message that I can’t sleep at night. I think, ‘What else can I do? How can I make the world a better place for my children and for all the others I love?’”
A-men.
