[COMMITTEE NAME]
[DATE] Hearing on [BILL NAME AND NUMBER]
Written Testimony of [NAME OF SIBLING], Brother of a Sister with Down syndrome
Position: SUPPORT
The passage of this bill is important for parents and children with disabilities. It will help families by ensuring the availability, accuracy and appropriateness of information that is provided to parents regarding Down syndrome. It will also enhance their life experience by allowing them to become aware of, and have the opportunity to interact with, local Down syndrome support groups.
My name is [NAME OF SIBLING], I live in [COUNTY] and I have a twin sister with Down syndrome. I am submitting this testimony today as a brother who has an experience on this issue.
I believe that every parent should be given current information as well as contacts for local support groups at the birth of their child with a disability. I believe that if parents have the opportunity to talk with other parents who are “going through the same experience,” they will receive a more realistic perspective of what it means to raise a child with Down syndrome.
My twin sister has Down syndrome and it is with my parent’s help, as well as being a member of the local support group for Down syndrome, that I have come to realize how lucky I am to have a sibling with a disability. It has given me a special understanding for what individuals with disabilities have to deal with every day. I also appreciate the joy in seeing them reach goals that no one ever thought they could. I feel that I have been given an opportunity of a life time to be part of my sister’s life.
Having access to a local Down syndrome support group has allowed me, and my family, to learn the joys and difficulties of raising an individual with Down syndrome. For me, I have gotten the opportunity to know many other children with Down syndrome and see the value they bring to the people around them. I have also been able to talk with their siblings and learn from their experiences on what it means to have a brother or sister with Down syndrome. Our group is like a very large family and everyone shares in the joys of each child’s success.
These interactions with other siblings within, as well as outside, our group has helped form the person who I am today and continually influences my view on the type of person I hope to be when I grow up. It makes me happy every day that I can put a smile on a face of an individual with a disability.
I would hope that [STATE] does not throw away this opportunity to improve the lives of expectant parents and their children by allowing them to become aware of local resources and support groups at the time they need it most.
Please support [BILL NAME AND NUMBER] to ensure that families in [STATE] receive the most accurate and appropriate information regarding Down syndrome and the opportunity to talk to other parents and siblings who are experienced in living with individuals with Down syndrome. By doing so, you will enhance the lives of people with Down syndrome and their entire family as well.
[NAME, ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER OF SIBLING]