We are boys and girls, men and women, brothers, sisters and parents. We are athletes and artists. We are bloggers. We are voters who care about our state deeply. We are employees and students. We are champions who thrive on success. We are members of our communities. We are leaders and followers.

We are talented. We participate in the Special Olympics. We march in the school band. We are artistic. We date. We get married. We stay single. We want to feel independent.

We enjoy many things about life. We cook pancakes. We use Facebook and watch "chick flicks." We play on the Wii. Some like the peace and quiet. For others, the more people, the better.

We live in every county of Illinois. We have hopes and dreams like anyone else. Sometimes we are happy. Sometimes we are disappointed. We do our best and want to be included.

We are people whose lives have been touched by a developmental disability in one way or another. We are extraordinary, just like you.