CHICAGO – When Jessica Anacker was in junior high, a teacher pulled her out of English class one day after she was bullied by a student because of her learning disability.
Tim Walz, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ running mate, has spoken openly and lovingly about his 17-year-old son, Gus, who has ADHD, along with a nonverbal learning disorder and an anxiety disorder.
Walz and his wife, Gwen, both former teachers, said recently in a statement to People magazine that they never considered Gus’ conditions an obstacle.
Gus Walz sprung from his seat, moved by his father’s words.
Advocates for Americans with learning disabilities believe the Walz family’s openness about their son and their willingness to speak publicly about the experience will raise much-needed visibility that could help others who are going through similar experiences.
“When our youngest Gus was growing up, it became increasingly clear that he was different from his classmates,” they said.
“For so long, disability was a hidden thing – you took care of your loved ones, but you didn’t talk about it publicly,” Duckworth, D-Ill., said after speaking to disability advocates at the Democratic convention.
“We love our Gus,” Tim and Gwen Walz said in their statement.
CHICAGO – A junior high school teacher removed Jessica Anacker from her English class one day after she was harassed by a student due to her learning disability.
Anacker claimed that “she blamed me for being bullied” rather than punishing the harasser.
“It’s your job to take care of it,” a furious Anacker retorted to the teacher. “.
Anacker, who is currently serving as president of the Texas Democrats With Disabilities caucus and as a delegate to the DNC this week, is overjoyed that someone will soon be tasked with “taking care of” these issues at the highest level of government.
Governor of Minnesota. Running partner for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, has been candid and affectionate in his remarks about his 17-year-old son Gus, who suffers from ADHD, anxiety, and nonverbal learning disorder. People magazine received a statement from Walz and his wife, Gwen, who were both teachers in the past, stating that they never saw Gus’s conditions as a barrier.
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The couple stated, “Like so many American families, it took us time to figure out how to make sure we did everything we could to make sure Gus would be set up for success as he was growing up.”.
It took some time, but they eventually realized that Gus’ illness is not a setback; rather, it is his hidden strength.
Gus sobbed as he and his mother and sister, Hope, watched Walz’s acceptance speech inside the crowded United Center arena on Wednesday night.
He yelled, “That’s my dad!”.
Walz paid tribute to his family from the stage. He cried, “I love you, Hope, Gus, and Gwen; you are my entire world.”.
Feeling touched by his father’s remarks, Gus Walz leaped out of his chair.
“I love you, Dad,” he said while pointing with his index finger. “.”.
Learning Disability Advocates for America think that the Walz family’s willingness to talk publicly about their son’s experience and their openness about it will bring much-needed attention to the issue, which may benefit others who are experiencing similar problems.
According to Zoe Gross, director of advocacy for the Washington-based Autistic Self Advocacy Network, “it’s a good thing when people in politics, who are running for office, are comfortable discussing disability issues and don’t view it as a taboo or something that we shouldn’t discuss.”.
Many people may feel more at ease sharing their own disabilities or discussing the experiences of their families when public figures are candid about their own or their families’ experiences with disabilities, according to Gross.
“That’s beneficial,” she remarked, “because, like with any marginalized group, we as a society must feel at ease talking about disability in order to discuss the needs of the disability community. “.
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Gwen Walz surprised everyone on Tuesday by showing up at a gathering of disability advocates at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. This is indicative of the importance the Harris-Walz campaign places on disability rights. She stated in her succinct remarks that her husband firmly feels “that every student and every person deserves a chance to get ahead,” but she did not address her son. “.
There are other vice presidential candidates who have children with disabilities besides Walz. Trig, the Republican nominee in 2008, is the son of Sarah Palin, who has Down syndrome. Trig’s mother was a candidate for vice president when he was a baby. Following her acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, Palin embraced him while standing on stage. Along with having a son with Down syndrome, Amy Coney Barrett was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2020.
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The Walz couple, Tim and Gwen, stated in an interview with People magazine that they were aware of Gus’ exceptional talents growing up.
They said, “As our youngest Gus grew older, it became more and more evident that he was not like his classmates.”. Gus favored playing video games and isolating himself more. “.”.
As he approached adolescence, they discovered that he also suffered from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a brain development disorder that manifests in childhood as difficulties focusing, hyperactivity, and impulse control.
139 million to 360 million people worldwide suffer from adult ADHD, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This is a fairly common condition. Typically, the effects of treatment are not very strong.
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The Democratic convention delegate from Texas, Anacker, stated that it is critical that those with learning disabilities, including ADHD, have influential individuals speak up for them.
Anacker is neurodivergent, a term used in non-medical contexts to characterize individuals whose brains function or develop differently from those of most people. She also struggles to write down her thoughts due to a neurological condition called dysgraphia, which causes speech impediment.
She recalled crying uncontrollably in high school science class because she was unable to sketch a picture of a frog. She claimed that since it is difficult for employers to make accommodations for her disability, she has never had a full-time job as an adult.
Advocates anticipate that the needs of Americans with disabilities will be given top priority by the incoming administration, regardless of the outcome of the election in November.
For instance, Gross’ group believes that one of the most pressing problems facing Americans with autism is the lack of access to home and community-based services through Medicaid. According to Gross, there are lengthy waiting lists in many states for these services, and the underpayment of those who provide them causes a significant amount of employee turnover.
Moreover, proponents want to see a federal ban on the use of seclusion or restraints in public schools unless absolutely necessary to prevent physical danger, such as stopping someone from running into a busy street, as well as an expansion of employment services and a realignment of government research to focus more on quality-of-life issues.
Mr. Iraq War veteran Tammy Duckworth stated that Walz’s candor regarding his son will help all Americans with disabilities. Duckworth lost both of her legs and some use of her right arm when a grenade struck her Black Hawk helicopter.
Disability was secret for a very long time; people with disabilities looked after their loved ones but avoided discussing it in public, according to Duckworth, D-Ill. stated following a speech to Democratic convention disability advocates. It’s important to normalize disabled people in society at large so they can obtain employment and prove to others that they are capable of performing their job duties. Too many disabled people stay at home or work from home. “.
Advocates claimed that by bringing up his son during the campaign, Walz is drawing attention to ADHD and other learning disabilities regardless of the outcome of the election in November.
Tim and Gwen Walz said in their statement, “We love our Gus.”. He is developing into a wonderful man, and we are thrilled to have him along for the ride. “. .
Michael Collins reports from the Oval Office. Check him out at X @mcollinsNEWS.
