Living with a child or another adult with a disability can have profound effects on the family. It is a unique experience that is shared between the family that only few families get to experience. A family with a disabled member is impacted in all aspects of family functioning. A positive side to having a disabled family member is that it can strengthen the family, enhance the cohesion, broaden views about all people, and increase enthusiasm with community groups and institutions. There are also negative effects like how having a disabled family member comes with time and financial costs and countless physical and emotional demands. No matter the effect, the impacts depend on the strength and motivation of the family. In the end of the day, happiness and love is all the family needs to stay strong.
I worked with many children with disabilities in high school and got the opportunity to be pretty close with them and their families. Jonah was one of the kids I worked with who had Down syndrome. I was motivated every day by him and his family to be closer with mine. His family was one of the strongest group of people I have ever met. They were supportive of Jonah in everything he did and, although it may seem easy, I never once saw them get frustrated or mad with him. With the support of his family and friends, Jonah sang in front of our whole high school for our talent show. He impressed everyone in the audience at how well he could sing. His family was in tears and they were so proud of how strong of a person he was. I know his strength and perseverance came from the family that was behind him from the day he was born. Because of Jonah and his family, I try everyday to be closer and happier with my family.
I worked with many children with disabilities in high school and got the opportunity to be pretty close with them and their families. Jonah was one of the kids I worked with who had Down syndrome. I was motivated every day by him and his family to be closer with mine. His family was one of the strongest group of people I have ever met. They were supportive of Jonah in everything he did and, although it may seem easy, I never once saw them get frustrated or mad with him. With the support of his family and friends, Jonah sang in front of our whole high school for our talent show. He impressed everyone in the audience at how well he could sing. His family was in tears and they were so proud of how strong of a person he was. I know his strength and perseverance came from the family that was behind him from the day he was born. Because of Jonah and his family, I try everyday to be closer and happier with my family.