Note: Thank you to Miss Fiona Jameson, daughter of our own Cathy Jameson, for this wonderful post.

By Fiona Jameson

The topic of a person’s worth came up during a recent discussion in one of my high school classes.  We were talking about how some people assume that kids with disabilities are not able to think because they have cognitive developmental delays.  That assumption is false.  

Kids with disabilities are able to think.  Some kids with disabilities have some level of being able to choose for themselves.  Some are able to ask for help and can also express emotions.  I thought this was a great topic to discuss because it pertained to a very interesting lesson and because my brother has given me insight about it.

The teacher and my classmates know a little bit about my brother, Ronan.  They know that he has autism and that he is non-verbal.  They know that he needs help with lots of things like going to the bathroom, getting dressed, and being safe.  I think that’s why the teacher asked me specifically during our discussion, “Fiona, do you think Ronan is able to form thoughts in his mind?”  I immediately thought about how Ronan gets a thought in his head, like that he wants to eat a cookie, and he acts on that thought by asking for help to get the cookie.  I was excited to answer her, “Yes, he is!”  I was excited also because I felt like the teacher actually understood Ronan and understood why it was important for me to talk about him in class.  

I’ve been able to share more of Ronan’s story in class.  I share that he has value just like I and my classmates do.  Some people look at Ronan and might think that he doesn’t know how to act around other people or do things like “normal” people.  Well, sometimes, Ronan doesn’t know how to act around other people or do things like “normal” people.  That’s where I tell people that Ronan may be different, but he’s still a person.  He’s just as important and worth being given respect just like you, me, and everyone else.  

Ronan is worth fighting for.  He’s worth being cared for even if it takes a lot of time and money.  He is worth being loved for who he is.  As his sister, I’ll make sure that someone always fights for him, cares for him, and loves him.    

Fiona Jameson is a freshman in high school.  She loves to play volleyball and had a successful season playing on the JV team.  Fiona hopes to be a photographer, interior designer, baker, professional volleyball player, and a Mom when she grows up.