From the Desk of Karen Lee, SEEC's CEO

'Para' in the Paralympics considering SEEC’s Mission for True Inclusion?

As the world watched the Paralympic Games, many of us were moved by the extraordinary athleticism, determination, and spirit of the athletes. As someone who has worked my entire career in disability social justice, I had to pause and think again about how, during such an intensely media-covered event, our society views people with disabilities. The term "para" comes from the Greek word meaning "beside" or "alongside." It struck me to see how this notion runs counter to the mission of SEEC: to foster true inclusion and belonging for the people we support.?

The Paralympics often provoke well-intentioned praise for the perseverance and strength of athletes. While celebrating individual achievements is important, there is a larger issue we must not ignore: the systemic barriers that the people we support continue to face every day. I recently noted a quote from an advocate on LinkedIn that said, “Ableism is glorifying the resilience of people with disabilities while ignoring the systematic barriers they face. Stop praising perseverance in a broken system; demand accountability and change it.”?This sentiment resonates with our work at SEEC. The path to true inclusion requires dismantling the structures that perpetuate inequality. It is not enough to celebrate resilience; our work is to ensure resilience is not required to simply belong.?

In September, we also celebrate Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) Appreciation Week. These professionals play a vital role in empowering people with disabilities, advocating for their rights, and helping them navigate a world that too often marginalizes them. DSPs are more than caregivers—they are catalysts for change. By fostering independence, supporting self-advocacy, and working to remove barriers, DSPs help break down barriers, so everyone can belong without the need for extraordinary perseverance.?

The work of DSPs is a reminder that inclusion is an active process. It requires continuous effort to ensure people we support are not merely present in their communities, but that they are heard, respected, and fully integrated. DSPs help create the conditions for true belonging, where individuals are not just beside others in the community, but at the heart of it.?

As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of Paralympians and honor the essential work of Direct Support Professionals, let us also renew our commitment to demanding change. Let us push for a society where people with disabilities do not have to work twice as hard just to participate, where systems support inclusion and belonging by design, not as an afterthought.

Together, we can build a world where no one is relegated to the sidelines—where "beside" becomes "within," and all people are valued for who they are, not just for how they overcome obstacles.?

Cheers,

Karen Lee, CEO

Top Things to Know at SEEC for September

• SEEC's Footgolf Fundraiser presented by HUB International was a success!

Thank you to all the sponsors: Alco Pharmacy, Shapiro and Duncan, Inc., Snyder Cohn, PC, Benjamin Office Supply & Services, Inc., Hilb Group, Niedner family, and Ratnofsky & Schwartz family for their generous support. And to our wonderful supporters, your encouragement and donations are making a difference!

• Ursule Makon has been honored with the Outstanding DSP Award by the Inter-Agency Coordinating Council on Developmental Disabilities (InterACC/DD) at their Direct Support Professional Week Celebration! Ursule’s dedication and hard work have shone through, and she was surrounded by many supportive colleagues as she received this well-deserved recognition.?
• SEEC hosted a DSPIIs and DSP Mentors Reception during SEEC's DSP Appreciation Week.
• Katrina Kugel, Government Relations Manager, received the ANCOR 2024 Grassroots Star Award for her outstanding grassroots advocacy that has impacted both state and federal policy.
• DSPs Sylvester Fomba and Kanika McCoy, along with Government Relations Manager Katrina Kugel, joined DSPs from Jubilee Association of Maryland and Compass Maryland to meet Senator Cardin during Direct Support Professionals week.

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