I have a fondness and a special place in my heart for individuals with

Down Syndrome that all began with this man; my uncle Jaime. While growing

up, Jaime was always one of my favorite people to go visit when we traveled to

North Dakota. He has a spirit and liveliness unlike any other and major per-

sonality. He is stubborn, thick-headed, and can be quite the ham in family

gatherings. He is also one of the happiest, fun-loving, and goofy individuals

I’ve ever met. Jaime has shown me, from a young age, that people with disa-

bilities are more people with differing abilities; his is definitely getting the fami-

ly together and making everyone laugh.

He has sparked my interest in learning more about various disorders and

working with people with disabilities since childhood. As an individual born in

rural North Dakota in the early 1960’s, his development was hindered by envi-

ronmental and societal contexts. After learning the importance of early inter-

vention services, I often wonder what Jaime’s development might have been

like if his parents were more informed and he received skilled services, such

as occupational therapy from an early age. My uncle Jaime has been my in-

spiration to be the best person and most competent practitioner I can be.