Monica and David

When I was 17, and a senior in high school (1967) our Psychology teacher took us to “Ridge,” an institute where people with learning disabilities were…warehoused. The attendants and nurses were kind, but it was in every sense an institution, and I did not leave feeling hopeful for anyone housed there. It haunted me in college, and I wrote a winning oratory, based partially, on two young girls at Ridge with Hydrocephalus who were bedridden and in obvious pain. It was also while I was at Ridge, that I had my first encounter with children born with Down syndrome.

On the bus, I sat near a classmate, John, who was new to our school. I was standing next to him, inside Ridge, visiting, when we entered a room with children born with Down syndrome. We were ahead of other classmates, and John quickly walked to the center of the room while I followed. Immediately, strange looking children with almond shaped eyes surrounded me, grabbed my skirt and sweater, reached to me, and wanted to be held. I felt fear, and when I looked back, I saw no other classmates even attempting to enter the room. John, however, quickly picked up a girl, who was about four, and hugged her. I was shocked, and asked how he could be comfortable in this environment and why he picked up that child. He looked at me calmly, while gently swaying and hugging this somewhat odd looking little girl, and he said,  “This...is my sister.”  I was moved by his love for her, felt guilty about my reaction, but relieved when we left the room.

As I am now the grandmother of an eight year-old boy with Down syndrome, I have reflected many times on my brief visit to Ridge and my reaction to my first encounter to children with Down syndrome. Obviously, I was ignorant, but in the 1960's it was common practice to isolate and institutionalize those who were considered...different.  Through my grandson, I know the joy and passion of loving and helping to care for someone with Down syndrome.

Although dealing with the complications of having a child with special needs has been an up and down journey for my son and daughter-in-law, and for our family, my little guy with Down syndrome is truly the light in my life, deeply loved and protected by family and extended family. This is one reason why I was so delighted with the film, Monica and David. Parents, teachers, and caregivers of people with intellectual disabilities face many obstacles, but also know the rewards associated with helping this often misunderstood population. The film Monica and David is about true love, overcoming barriers, and embracing the innocence and passion of those with Down syndrome. I encourage you, as educators, to watch this, as it will give you insight into the lives of those with intellectual disabilities and leave you with a smile.