Whittney Gaines has spoken publicly numerous times about race just in the past couple of years.
But, come Oct. 23 at The Arc of Bartholomew County’s Live 2 Lead Leadership Summit, the community leader and mother of two nonverbal youngsters will speak of race in a different way — with regard to children and disabilities.
She’ll be among the speakers at the gathering at the Columbus Learning Center.
One child, 11-year-old Cordell, African American with cerebral palsy, often has been treated considerably differently than his 12-year-old white, sister Emma, who has autism.
“I’m so proud of The Arc for giving me this platform and this opportunity,” Gaines said. “I’m just so happy to be a voice (for my kids).”
And a voice against inequality.
That’s just one among five Arc events in October. Here is the list:
- 11 a.m. Oct 12: Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome Awareness. Donner Park on 22nd Street.
- 6 p.m. Oct. 22 : Private free showing of the movie “Champions” at YES Cinema, 328 Jackson St. downtown. The 2023 film highlights a basketball coach (Woody Harrelson) leading a team of players with intellectual disabilities.
- Noon to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 23: Live 2 Lead Leadership Summit at Columbus Learning Center, 4555 Central Ave. in Columbus. Aimed at those caring for those with disabilities, from nonprofits such as Developmental Services Inc. to daily caregivers.
- 5 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23: Breaking Barriers Benefit at The Commons, 300 Washington St. in downtown Columbus. Organizers aim to make this an annual, ticketed event. event.
- 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 24: Leadership for Self-Advocates Workshop at The Arc of Bartholomew County.
Canadian actress Madison Tevlin, one of the stars of the “Champions” film, will be in town for the two Oct. 23 events and will speak.
Grace Kestler, the Arc’s executive director, pointed out that it’s an honor to host Tevlin, who regularly spreads a message of possibilities especially for those with intellectual disabilities.
“She’s very energetic and bubbly — and very blunt,” Kestler said of the resident of Toronto, Canada. “She talks a lot about the importance of people with intellectual disabilities having high expectations.”
Her online video clips feature an unvarnished frankness that has endeared her to a sizable audience.
“I’m used to getting judged for the way that I look,” Tevlin says in one video. “It drives me crazy.”
She also has included in some remarks that she would like to see more doctors simply congratulate couples on their Down syndrome babies instead of sometimes beginning the news of the infant with “I’m sorry … .”
Kestler mentioned that the month’s events are presented with a two-fold perspective.
“Overall, we want to continue to educate the public, and also to build awareness,” Kestler said.
Awareness is significant on several levels, since people such as Gaines did not know of The Arc or its resources until she met Kestler several years ago. Gaines now serves on The Arc board.
For tickets on the two Oct. 23 events: https://www.thearcbc.org
