I just treat anyone I meet the same, regardless of whether on not they appear to have a disability. I treat them with dignity and respect because as human beings we all deserve to be treated that way at least. I usually don't go out of my way to help anyone who appears disabled (unless they ask or look like they'd obviously could use the help) because I know they want to be able to do things for themselves for self independence and so they don't feel like a charity case or a spectacle out in public.

Having a cousin with down syndrome has taught me that we may not all be cut out to learn rocket science or brain surgery, but the unique views on life those who've had disabilities might have are equally as valuable.

Once I was upset because a dog my aunt was watching got attacked by another dog when I was out walking it. I felt so very guilty about the whole ordeal. My cousin (the one with down syndrome) sat with me as I cried and kept on telling me "Sometimes bad things happen. We can't control these bad things. We can control how we react to them." He sat there with me, rubbing my back, until I felt well enough to stop crying and go back into the house and see how the dog was doing. He'll never be able to do some things in life but as far as I'm concerned, he knows more compassion and empathy than even some of the most important people in the world do, and his big heart more than helps him overcome what shortcomings he may have.