Special Olympics Lunch

          On Sunday, Robb and I attended a lunch with the dolphins (Robb's Special Olympics Swim Team) to kick off this season! We both had a great time catching up with old team members, and also meeting a new coach who will be helping out with the team throughout the season. Though Robb loves his team and participating in the Special Olympics, when we are with them I think we both cannot help but feel a slight separation. All of the team members sat at one table, but due to "the claw" (Robb's tendency grab other people's food). my family sat in a booth next to the table. When he hit his head because his burger had not come out yet, everyone gave him a funny look. The teammates are usually great about saying hi to Robb and asking lots of questions about how he says ahh, or why he hits his head, but I feel that some of the other parents and coaches have a long way to come. I had one parent tell me that she thought it looked like Robb could not swim just because he does the doggy paddle when he gets tired, and I feel that comments like those are not only rude, but they are also offensive. Robb hears them. Also, coaches seem to think that they cannot have a conversation with Robb because he is nonverbal. They will say hi, and then look at me like I am his bodyguard. I have to laugh because I picture Robb as a gangster or something and whenever someone says something to him, he whispers a response in my ear and I respond for him. Anyway, I still feel like the coaches can understand that if you say hi Robb will respond, and if you ask him what he did during the year, look at him and I can give you some details. Though this Special Olympics lunch did bring back memories of disrespect in a community that should be fully respectful, I still have hope that this year Robb and I will be able to show the community that Robb should not be viewed as less. I don't say this to offend the Special Olympics team or community, but instead to show there is a long way to go until we have complete acceptance. Hopefully, Robb and I will be able to make the change we wish to see.