People with developmental disabilities have always been here. We are here now. And we will always be here, in our communities, our workplaces, our families, and our future.
It is about community living as a “whole life.”
Not just services.
Not just programs.
Life. A good life.
Hi, my name is Kimberly Gatewood.
I am a black woman with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I grew up in Detroit, Michigan, with my mom and my sister. I have been living with developmental disabilities all my life, and I stayed with my mom and my sister in the family home.
If my mom had not understood that she could keep me in our home instead of putting me in a group home or a human development center, my life would have been very different. I don’t think I could have dealt with living in a group home because I like my independence and privacy. I am thankful I did not have to stay in a group home or a human development center.
I know I am blessed that I had my mom and my family standing by my side, making sure I got the support I needed. I went to school with other students who did not have disabilities. I was in a special education class when I was in school. I am glad that people with developmental disabilities have the supports and services we need to help us experience and complete school.
I wish that all of us were able to live out in our community and choose for ourselves. I like having control over my own stuff. I get to choose where I want to stay, where I want to work, and who I spend my time with. This is because my family taught me how to take care of myself and make my own decisions. I know my story is different than many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is why it is so important for people with disabilities to have community living services. It lets us have a whole life. We can go to work, school, church, out to eat, or go on vacation. Just like everyone else.
From the age of 17 to 50, I lived in my own home or apartment. I was married and had children. Later, I moved back in with my uncle and my grandmother in Little Rock to help care for her. I think many people with and without disabilities have done this. Even when I live with family, I come or go as I choose.
I am grateful. I thank God every day of my life that I have a family that cares about my well-being enough to trust me to make my own choices. This is a good life. Then, now, always.
About the Author: Kimberly Gatewood is an administrative specialist for the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, an office of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, where she works to advocate for the Arkansas developmental disability community while supporting the Council’s administrative staff and its members. In her role, Kim not only aids a professional administrative staff within the office but also participates in outreach activities in communities across the state. Kim is a native Arkansan, a person with disabilities, a Self-Advocate, and a disability advocate for her grandchildren and for others. She has served on a local service provider’s advocacy committee, encouraging others to participate in self-advocacy. Kim is a current board member for the Arkansas State Independent Living Council. When not hard at work in advocacy, Kim enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, going to the movies, attending church, and singing karaoke.
