July is Disability Pride Month, which is celebrated in alignment with the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990. The month aims to bring awareness of the positive pride felt by those within the disability community. In honor of this month, Blue Yonder Associate Shawnna Cutforth, a Senior Marketing Operations Manager, shares her personal experience as a parent of a child with special needs and her immense appreciation for the wonderful individuals that make up #TeamKeira.

I started at Blue Yonder about six months ago as a Sr. Marketing Operations Manager. I’m also a proud mom of two girls. Seventeen-year-old Kaitlyn is entering her final year of high school and looks forward to learning more about cinematic arts and technology in college. Keira, my fourteen-year-old, is starting her first year of high school and can light up the room with her smile. Keira also has intellectual and physical disabilities.

One thing I’ve learned about being a parent to a child with special needs is that every day is different. It also offers a unique perspective and fosters a level of empathy you might not otherwise possess.

For our family, caring for Keira is a 24/7 operation. My husband, Dave, myself, and Kaitlyn all care for Keira at different times of the day. Keira also has a personal assistant who looks after her when she gets out of school while my husband and I work full-time. There are many tasks to manage, such as medication, meal prep for a special diet, medical appointments, maintaining medical equipment, dealing with insurance claims, attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and filling out state paperwork.

Despite the numerous doctors, therapists, appointments, and medical jargon we contend with, nothing compares to the proud moments when difficult tasks become a bit easier for Keira, and she gains more independence with historically tough tasks. She would not be able to do this without the help of professionals that guide our family.

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 16% of the world’s population experience a significant disability. It takes a village of amazing humans to support, love, and provide specialized care for people with disabilities and special needs. In our household, we affectionately call them «Team Keira.»

These extraordinary individuals play a crucial role in the lives of those with disabilities and their families. Specialists, doctors, nurses, educators, aides, therapists, caregivers, and countless others make our world go round. They provide essential information, advocacy, and guidance. Navigating insurance, education, and state programs requires breaking down complex information into understandable terms for those of us who aren’t experts. They are empathetic, nurturing, and provide emotional support to both the child and the family, which is immensely important, especially when round-the-clock care is required.

Our family is beyond grateful for all the caregivers in every capacity. Some caregivers and therapists work with Keira in our home and then go back to their own homes, contemplating ways to help Keira understand challenging concepts. We’ve even had caregivers pick up toys they know Keira will enjoy while out shopping for their own families. The fact that they still think of my daughter while they are off the clock cements in my mind that they are heroes and deserve high praise for what they do every day. Team Keira are angels on earth, walking among us.

If you have friends or work with someone who has a child with special needs, I hope that you will ask questions and be inclusive. Our family wants to be able to educate others about our child, and be included in all the fun things too!

Every state and most large cities in the U.S. offer disability services so be sure to inquire about them. The U.S. General Services Administration offers disability resources as well.