True Inclusion in Sports

A great article about a high school student who is truly included: 

“Someone with a disability wants a job. A local business hires them. The media goes wild.

Someone with a disability wins homecoming king or queen. The media goes wild.

Someone with a disability is a manager, mascot, or token player on a team. A huge deal is made, awards are given and the media goes wild.

...But these stories do trouble me, because I see very low expectations. ...But the reality is that getting a job or being on a team should be the norm, not the news. 

...Because this is a real story of a young man who earned his spot as a kicker on the varsity team with his ability. There were no “staged plays” for him, or last-minute substitutions when the score showed a solid lead. He played often in some games, and less often in others — just like many other players. He was not only a solid player for his team, he actively encouraged his team and the crowds. He is a very real and integral part of his school. For all those reasons, he won Homecoming King — not because he has Down syndrome. Because he is the one and only Caden Cox. Someday I hope and believe this will be the norm. As of now, in December 2019, this is not the norm. But it certainly gives us a higher bar to aspire to.”