Happy 237th birthday to the United States of America! I spend a lot of my time focused on advocating for those with Down syndrome and other disabilities. I have been known to say that that “we the people” does not say “we the people except for those with Down syndrome.”  Today though I only want to say that I am proud to be an American. I am proud to live in a country where I can vote, and I can have a part in the democratic process.  While we have a long way to go, we have come a long way with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Rosa’s Law and more.  Soon we will pass the ABLE Act and that will be one more step toward individuals with Down syndrome living real lives. I can call Senator Moran’s office, write Senator Roberts a note, and Rachel can do a little Rock Chalk Jayhawk with her friend Congressman Kevin Yoder.

We have the freedom to speak openly about our concerns. We have laws to protect and give people with disabilities certain rights that are only dreamed about around the world.  We are blessed.

I believe in this 113th Congress will pass the ABLE Act and if she is still so inclined, Rachel will get her pink house someday. So today join me in thanking God for our freedoms and thanking those who have sacrificed so much so we have these freedoms.  We are proud to be Americans!