At BRIDGED, we believe in bringing awareness to resources in our community and connecting individuals and families to those resources. Today, we’re highlighting Valarie Bishop, Executive Director of the South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council, through a Q+A conversation focused on impact, advocacy and how YOU can get involved.

Hey Buddy! Can I ask you a question? Why do you wear those things on your legs? What happened to you? What is wrong with you?

It takes a lot to shock me. But those words shocked me.

Time stood still for what seemed like an hour. The thoughts in my mind would not come out of my mouth. I was literally speechless.

For me the start of school comes with a palette of emotions: excitement, anticipation, hope, fear, worry, anxiety, and dread.

I feel my shoulders closer to my ears than they were a few days ago. My cortisol levels are higher. It feels harder to breathe. I’m gearing up.

To be honest, it feels like I’m preparing for battle. This battle isn’t physical; it’s a 180 day battle for advocacy, equity, and disability awareness.