Aaron Eide, who attends The Arc of Riverside County’s Advance Enterprises program in Riverside, may appreciate The Value of One message more than anyone.
Like many people with a developmental disability, Aaron has encountered a variety challenges in his 27 years, including disrespect by those who don’t recognize that people with developmental disabilities have value.
As we talked to Aaron about his life, he had many experiences to share that demonstrate it hasn’t been easy. Among other things, he was bullied as a school kid, something he encounters even today. Despite this blatant lack of respect, he is a positive, hard working and independent person.
How independent? He has his own apartment, he travels back and forth each day on his moped, and takes care of Max and Leonardo, his pet cat and turtle. What he likes best about living on his own is the freedom, “I can come and go as I please. Having my own place is a dream,” he said.
Aaron has become familiar with The Value of One campaign, and says he likes it. “I think it’s great, and people need to stop calling people ‘retarded!,’ It’s wrong. And to have it in movies is ridiculous. We should have the same respect as everybody else.”
Aaron knows that many wonderful people have contributed to The Arc of Riverside County with both their time and their pocketbooks, and that by doing so they have also strengthened the idea that people with developmental disabilities have value and deserve respect.
“They must be just excellent people to do all that for The Arc. I’m really blessed to have people like that,” said Aaron about The Arc’s contributors. “I would love to meet them and personally thank them on behalf of all the folks who come to The Arc for training and jobs.”
Aaron’s story is one of thousands in our area that are characterized by the challenges and triumphs that a life with developmental disabilities presents. We hope to share more of these stories with you in the future. For now, we’re thankful Aaron has found the support he needs, in his community. We’re especially glad that he knows that he’s valued.
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Aaron Eide:
A Life of His Own, In His Own Words
A project of The Arc of Riverside County | 8138 Mar Vista Court | Riverside, CA 92504 | P: 888.818.6298 | F: 951.688.7207
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Copyright 2009 The Arc of Riverside County. All rights reserved.
