Michael's Story

Michael Kevin Rider was born October 13th, 1965. He was the 7th of 7 children born to Everett and Velma Rider of Northern Kentucky. He and two of his other siblings were diagnosed with Marinesco Sjogren's syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.

The syndrome consists of cataracts Ataxia balance and coordination problems. There are only 200 cases in the world. Michaels disorder was less severe. After Michael was born the doctors instructed my mother to have a tubal ligation and told her not to have any more children because they could all have this syndrome. She had 6 children in 7 years. There was no birth control in the 60s and to get a tubal ligation was rare.

Michael was nonverbal but could sing songs, such as Take Me Home Country Roads, Funny Face and religious gospel songs.  He loved music.  Michael was the baby of the family and we called him Geekle and Mikey. 

Michael was not allowed to attend school or church so we kept him at home. he was spoiled and he was very loved by his family.

In 1975 Michael was placed with a foster family and later adopted by them. 

He participated in Special Olympics and was featured in the local newspaper with his picture and his medal.

Michael attended New Perceptions and worked, stuffing envelopes for a weekly paycheck, making cents on the dollar. 

This is called sheltered workshops, Michael enjoyed getting his paycheck every week he was so proud of his work 

One day we're watching the news we saw Michaels adopted father arrested for raping one of the foster children and abusing her. 

He was sent to prison and we asked if he had hurt Michael, but no one could tell us anything for sure because he was nonverbal. 

We continued to visit with Michael and celebrate holidays with him throughout his life

Sadly, Michael died after being given some medication, he was put back to bed and he choked to death. There was no investigation and no autopsy. The adoptive mother had a life insurance policy on him and wanted to cremate him. My mom did not want him cremated so she paid for his funeral and brought him home to be buried with his brother and sister. 

Of the three children, Michael actually had full inclusion in his community. 

Jeffrey did also have inclusion in his community, once he was relocated from the institution back to his community. 

Sadly my sister Alice who died at Hazelwood in a restraint never had inclusion in her community. 

They loved, laughed and cried, they felt pain. They were heavens very special children and they were ours 

We, as a Society, will be judged by the way we treat the least amongst us.