Author: Jacob Gehringer 

Not too long ago, in April I traveled to Washington DC with my parents and members of the Down Syndrome Alliance of the Midlands to participate in the National Down Syndrome Society’s Buddy Walk on Washington.  The Buddy Walk on Washington is a time where advocates go to Capitol Hill and talk with their Senators and Congressmen about issues that affect people with disabilities.  I was happy to talk to our congressional leaders about how Medicaid helps people with disabilities to be more independent in their communities.  I also talked to them about ABLE 2.0; The ABLE to Work Act, the ABLE Financial Planning Act and the ABLE Age Adjustment Act. I let our leaders know that ABLE 2.0 will help people with disabilities and their families.  I also received the National Champion of Change Self Advocacy Award.  I am proud to be a self-advocate and want to tell my story of success so that everyone can understand that people with disabilities are able to work and are valuable members of their community.