It all started with a girl from Zionville, Indiana. During high school she was a cheerleader who played tennis and would go camping with her friends in the summer. All she wanted to do was be a normal person and someday go to college. But she was denied that opportunity because she had Down Syndrome. Her name is AnnCatherine Heigl.
AnnCatherine was 19-years-old when she applied to George Mason University. The school initially rejected her application because of her disability, but eventually reversed the decision. AnnCatherine was not only accepted, she received her acceptance letter with a beaming smile, but she was also awarded a scholarship for $13,000 per semester, plus $20,000 in residence and support fees.
This is a story with a happy ending, but there should never be stories looking for a happy ending. It is unfortunate that we can be born with disabilities, but what’s even worse is to be treated like a second class citizen because of it. While there are some differences between those with disabilities, like AnnCatherine and myself, and those without, AnnCatherine is living proof that even though she’s disabled, she is not handicapped.
Editors: Seid Suleyman & Jing Wu
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