To Be or Not To Be......Accepted?

Somehow Down syndrome got caught in 'acceptance'. The only goal seems to be that our children and adults with Down syndrome are accepted. Maybe the person with Down syndrome would like us to work on helping them function better. I know, my son loves it when he can remember easily. And it is to his advantage that he can do everyday things with ease.
For example, he can wear any pants he wants because he can button and zip. Without that ability, he would be forced to wear elastic waist pull up pants.
On that subject, he dresses himself everyday.
Neal can cut his own food. (including meat). How embarrassing ...... you are 13 years old and your mommy has to cut your meat.
His articulation and ability to talk is good enough that he can order his own meals at any restaurant. Wait, let me back up. He can read the menu and then order his own meal.
Neal can tell me what he did in school. Seems easy. But it wasn't for him.
Neal can tell time. Wow!
These may seem like little things but they add up to giving him independence, freedom and acceptance.