Videos
Blayre's Story
Blayre is a six-year-old African American girl who has been diagnosed with
mental retardation and is partially deaf and blind with motor skill
difficulties. Through the support of an extended family, a variety of therapists
and the dogged determination of her single mom, Blayre is learning to feed
herself and to use sign language. "It's a slow process," her mother
says, "but it's progress all the same." Blayre's story explores how a
unique blend of family tradition, cultural roots, spiritual beliefs and life
philosophies play an important role in coping with stress and finding value in
what each child has to offer. Blayre's story addresses:
- The difficult process of accepting a child's disability
- Importance of support from siblings and extended family
- Necessity for parents/therapists to work together as a team
- Need for professionals to evaluate each child with an open mind
- Avoiding labels and blanket assumptions
- Dealing with subtle racism in formal support systems
- Parental need to dream for the child who has a disability
