Acceptance and Belonging!

By: Kandice Ferrell
Date: April 9, 2024

As we uplift stories of people supported, Tim, Coordinator of Community Services (CCS) at Service Coordination, connected with Carol about the importance of acceptance and belonging. 

What makes you unique?  

Carol: I am special because my parents dropped me off at The Rosewood Center when I was just a baby. When I got older, a nurse helped me with finding a way out because it was a horrible experience, and I did not want to be there. There were many problems with living there, including being forced to take cold showers, being restrained to my bed, or being locked out of the bathrooms. I shared my personal story to help shut down The Rosewood Center for good, and I have been receiving helpful assistance from the ARC since 1999. 

How do you overcome challenges in your daily life?  

Carol: I have learned to accept things for the way they are. When I am having a bad day, I decide to get over it. I just do it. You can get up on the wrong side of the bed or the good side of the bed. Every day, I choose to have a good day. 

What activities or hobbies bring you joy and fulfillment? 
Carol: I like roller skating, basketball, soccer, track and field, and hanging out with my friends. I also like to attend meetings in Annapolis about the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) budgets because those updates are important. If the budget is off, we lose support and don’t have anyone to work with us to help with our care and goals. I also like to use my experiences to help people with special needs. Soon, I will take a CPR class and hope to get certified. 

Can you share a proud moment or achievement you’ve experienced?  

Carol: I am happy to live in my own apartment, and have a cat named Angel, which I love. I am proud of myself and my life. 

What message would you like to share with others?  

Carol: Don’t pick on people with disabilities. Instead, help them and try to teach them if you have knowledge to share. Make friends with them. Talk with them and accept them. You can learn something new from them, and they can learn something new from you. Put your arms around them and tell them that you care about them. That’s what you do.   

Is there a myth about disabilities that you would like to dispel?  

Carol: People have called me dumb or stupid. It is not true, and it’s hurtful. How would you like it if someone called you that?