For Taylin, feeling respected and valued often comes down to something simple: being asked what she thinks. Whether she is deciding what activity she wants to participate in, sharing her opinions, or choosing how she wants to spend her time, having a choice gives Taylin a sense of ownership over her day. It reminds her that her voice matters and that the people around her value what she has to say.
For many adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, even the simplest choices can be taken away. Someone else may decide what they wear, where they go, what activities they participate in, or how they spend their day. Often, these decisions are made with good intentions, but when choices are consistently made for someone, their opportunities to practice independence and advocate for themselves can disappear.
When Taylin is asked, “What would you like to do?” she isn’t only choosing an activity. She is given the chance to practice independence, express her preferences, and take an active role in her own life.
Sometimes growth looks like becoming more independent. And sometimes, it looks as simple as having the opportunity to say, “This is what I want.” For Taylin, that choice is meaningful, and to us, every choice matters.
