Bridget

Hometown:

Darien

Last seen:

Traveling to New York City

My likes:

Traveling across the country to give speeches, advocating, my rights, reading a lot of books, coaching others, Pathways to Self-Advocacy, personal planning, doing things on my own, Special Olympics, gymnastics, inclusion, Christian music.

My story:

I was born with Down syndrome and have been included my whole life! I take the El to work every Thursday, and I teach kids hygiene and dental care at the University of Illinois-Chicago dental clinic. As of the summer of 2009, I have given 23 speeches in 5 years and have traveled to as far away as Austin, Texas. I am a Special Olympian gymnast and I like to do the uneven bars. I am involved in my community and enjoy Theatre and being in plays. I serve on the State Board of Education Initiatives. I have many heroes, including my mom’s parents Henry & Patricia French who have been in my life forever and my mom and dad, who are partners in my journey. I had a boyfriend for 5 years. I have 2 wonderful siblings! My sister Blair is the oldest and she is married to a wonderful, sweet, and cute guy Chris Covino. He has a wonderful daughter and her name is Emma. My brother Patrick is the youngest in my family. I am so proud of my siblings because they have always treated me with respect, love and most of all they have supported me in my life. Patrick turned 21 years old on July 6, 2009 and he is a sophomore in Depaul University. I like to do Bible study.

LifeMyWay means:

Dwelling in the possibilities!!! I started my own non-profit, Butterflies for Change, which encourages people with disabilities to think about what they can do and reach for their dreams. I have also written a book about my experience.

My dreams:

I want to be a writer and an artist. I want to meet movie stars and to build Butterflies for Change into a prominent advocacy group that unifies people. I want to empower them and help raise money for people with developmental disabilities across the world.

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