7 Colin Farrell Quotes Parents of a Child With a Disability Should Hear
Colin Farrell is one of my favorite on screen actors. Iāll never forget his character portrayals in āIn Brugesā and āSaving Mr. Banks.ā I didnāt realize his real life role as ādadā would be even more unforgettable.
I was lucky to see him in person as the featured guest at Gatepathās 2017 Power of Possibilities event. From early intervention to job training for adults and seniors, Gatepath is a role model for āturning disabilities into possibilities.ā Every year they bring the community together for an evening that shines a light on how our differences are what make us beautiful. We must work together toĀ help those with differences flourish.
Colin shared his personal story of what it means to raise a child who is living and thriving with a developmental disability. His son, James, was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome (AS). AS is a rare genetic disorder that occurs in 1 in 15,000 children. Itās often misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy or autism.
I sat in awe of this charming, witty, Hollywood star who at heart is just a dad who wants both of his sons to experience life to their fullest potentials. Here are seven of my favorite Colin quotes and the messages I took from them:
āWhen I heard that word ācureā at first I was kind of insulted, almost irate, as though they were judging my son, that he wasnāt he wasnāt exactly right, but he is exactly the way heās supposed to be. Heās a magic, magic boy.ā
Donāt let othersā judgment take away your childās magic.
āHe works so hard and milestones will be achieved throughout his life. When youāre told your child will āneverā do something and they doā¦now thatās an unbelievable experience. When my son walked at 4, it was a result of his hard work and drive. He has a desire to experience life, just like us, to touch it, to feel it, to sense it, to communicate it to others.ā
Never let anyone say āneverā when it comes to your childās abilities.
āBe careful of judging what your child is capable of. You have to watch your child and give him every opportunity to see how they respond. Let your child decide what his limitations are.ā
Never let yourself judge what your child is capable of achieving.
āHe may not be able to verbally communicate, but this kid has it all going on⦠he thinks, he feels, he knows exactly whatās happening, and heās got a voice. And that voice is inside of him and I have to find some way that will allow him to let it out.ā
Donāt doubt that your child has a voice⦠Itās up to you to hear it.
āBy virtue of his honesty, struggle, persistence and his personality, James brings out the best in people. He literally saved my life. I was on a destructive path. When I couldnāt make the changes in my life for myself, I made them for James. He gave me the reason to be a better man and father.ā
Your child will bring out the best in you.
āJames wants the same things we all do. He just wants to be part of the community. He wants to feel welcome and involved. He wants to give and feel love. He wants to play his part. He wants to contribute and add not only to his life, but the lives of others.ā
Your child will make a difference if only given a chance to contribute.
āWhen those with special needs are rightfully given the same opportunities as the rest of us,
then the impossible becomes possible and each individualās endeavor takes center stage. We then see ability instead of disability in every single person and we arrive at the solidarity of acceptance, respect and inclusion.ā
Anything is possible when we open the doors of opportunity for all.
At the very end of the conversation, Colin made it clear that itās time for Hollywood to get on the inclusion bandwagon and give more consideration to those with disabilities. He had the same message for the business world, saying āItās not charity, but a smart business move.āĀ I couldnāt agree more!
Please join Colin Ferrell, Gatepath and Geek Club Books in our commitment to create an inclusive world of acceptance, respect and compassion. Sign the āPledge for Inclusionā today and let your voice be heard!
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