Remembering Jerry Laidlaw

On November 6, 2019, we lost a dear friend, colleague and disability advocate, Jerry Laidlaw.

Jerry’s leadership was far reaching and influenced the self advocacy and community living field in ways that have strengthened community for all of us. May we continue to learn from Jerry’s story and keep asking questions about what is right and true, and worth fighting for.

The following quote was taken from a series of presentations Jerry gave throughout his career:

“My name is Jerry Laidlaw. I’m a self advocate from Mission. Inclusion means to be part of society like everybody else, no matter your diverse abilities. It means having the same rights as everybody else.

I am passionate about helping others to use their voice. I think people who have been labelled just want to be seen and heard for who they are. Remember: ask the person what they want, not just what their family wants. All of us are able in some diverse way.

For me, it takes time to get to know someone. It’s important to really trust the people in your life and stay close to the people who love you. It’s important not to blame yourself and to always do your best. Often you meet people when you aren’t expecting it. If you are looking for more people in your life, the best thing to do is go out there and do the things that make you happy. You never know who you might meet and where life will take you.”

 

 

This entry was posted in Celebrate Diverse Abilities, Staff Profiles, What's New and tagged . Bookmark the permalink.