Learn: How Tim Walz's Son..
Jessica Anacker was a junior high school student when she had one of those tough moments that are so familiar to those with learning disabilities. After being bullied by a classmate, Anacker had been pulled from her classroom by her English teacher. But rather than help her, the teacher proceeded to assign her the blame. 'Upset, Anacker responded, "It's your job to take care of it."
Today, Anacker is the president of the Texas Democrats With Disabilities caucus and a delegate at the Democratic National Convention. She would be ecstatic should there soon be someone in the White House who truly got it—that is, who identified with the struggles and experiences of those with disabilities.
In Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz has spoken openly about his 17-year-old son, Gus, who has ADHD, a nonverbal learning disorder, and an anxiety disorder. Walz, a former teacher, and his wife have both said they have never considered it a barrier.
The couple said, "Like a lot of American families, it has taken some time to really figure out how best to support Gus as he's grown up. However, it quickly became clear that Gus's condition wasn't holding him back; it was his superpower."
Gus beamed as Walz gave his Democratic National Convention acceptance speech, with his mother, Helene, and sister, Hope, at his side. It was during the speech when Walz said he loved his family very much that Gus finally stood up, pointed at the stage toward his dad, and said: "I love you, dad." He began to choke up when his dad talked about loving his family.
The advocates for cases of learning disabilities like the Walz family open representation of the condition is seen to create awareness of the many others in relatively similar situations.
"It's important when people in politics are comfortable discussing disability issues," said Zoe Gross, director of advocacy for the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. She added that when public figures talk openly about disabilities, others feel more at ease about discussing their own experiences.
The campaign even surprised disability advocates at one meeting during the convention with an appearance by Gwen Walz. She spoke very little about her son, but noted that her husband believes strongly in the idea that "every student and every person deserves a chance to get ahead.
Tim Walz is not the first vice-presidential nominee to have a child with a disability. In 2008, then-Republican nominee Sarah Palin wheeled her son Trig, who has Down syndrome, on stage after her acceptance speech. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett also has a son with Down syndrome.
During an interview with *People* magazine, the Walz family explained how they realized something was different about Gus. He would always care more about video games and everything that included spending considerable time alone. What the family didn't know is that Gus had ADHD, and this medical issue affects millions of people throughout the world. In fact, with precise assistance, the majority of those who are affected by ADHD can have a satisfying life.
Read about a seasoned Clinton delivering a sharp rebuke to Trump.
Anacker is neurodivergent, with a speech impediment and dysgraphia, thus she knows well what has to be struggled through every single day to deal with the learning disability. She hopes having leaders like Walz in place will help with advocating and supporting more effectively for people with disabilities.
Advocates were optimistic that, no matter how the election went, the attention the Walz family had brought to disability issues would result in real change — an enhancement of home and community-based services, enhanced employment support, and legislation to ban seclusion or restraints in schools except when a child poses an immediate physical danger.
Senator Tammy Duckworth, a strong advocate for disability rights in Washington who lost both legs in the Iraq War, said she believes Walz's open advocacy will benefit all Americans with disabilities. "For so long, disability was hidden," Duckworth said. "We need to normalize the presence of people with disabilities in everyday society so they can get the jobs they deserve.
As the campaign moved forward, supporters agreed that Tim Walz was already making quite an impact by shedding light on ADHD and other learning differences in telling Gus' story.
"We love our Gus," said Walz and his wife, Gwen. "We're proud of the person he's becoming, and we're thrilled to have him with us on this journey."
Related Queries:
tim walz son
tim walz children
tim walz kids
gus walz age
tim walz son gus
gwen walz
walz children
what is a nonverbal learning disorder
how old is tim walz
what is a non verbal learning disorder
is tim walz son autistic
tim walz age
is tim walz son special needs
tim walz ivf
tim walz son age
tim walz's son
what is a non verbal learning disability
is gus walz special needs
gus walz autistic
gus walz disability
gus walz neurodivergent
does gus walz have autism
tim.walz kids
walz ivf
tim walz son special needs
is tim walz son disabled
does tim walz son have a disability
gus walz special needs
how old is gus waltz
does tim walz son have autism
tim.walz.son
gus walz autism
tim.walz children
tim walz children age
tim walz.son
is tim walz's son special needs
walz age
tim waltz kids
is walz son autistic
tim walz son disability
how old is tim waltz
is tim walz son handicapped
what is a nonverbal learning disability
how many kids does tim walz have
tim walz so
does tim walz son have special needs
is walz son special needs
what is non verbal learning disorder
tim walz son autism
is tim walz son special
is tim waltz son autistic
tim walz siblings
gus walz learning disability
gus walz non verbal
tim.walz age
tim walz's children
jake tapper
how many children does tim walz have
tim waltz age
gus walz adhd
gus walz diagnosis
tim.walz son gus
is tim walzs son autistic