Nancy Boyda (D-KS) has chosen a teen with Autism to be a Congressional page.
According to Boyda, Benjamin Eric Berlin, 16, will become the first person with autism to serve in the page program, which began 181 years ago in 1827.
Remember the child with Autism voted out of his Kindergarten class- here is a model from the highest levels on why inclusion is important.
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He was selected for the congressional page program by a board based on an essay, extracurricular activities, character and motivation. The board included representatives from Kansas, Kansas State, Pittsburg State and Washburn universities.
"Ben did not get this chance because he was autistic. Ben got the chance because he was extremely involved, mature and caring, and he demonstrated that to everyone that was around him," Boyda said.
As a refresher, Nancy Boyda unseated ultra-wingnut Jim Ryun in Kansas' 2nd district, losing in 2004 and beating him in 2006. No one thought Boyda could pull it off, and in 2004 the national Republican party poured a million dollars into low-dollar Kansas to save Ryun.
Boyda is a scientist by training. This is a great story, but the larger picture is this is why we need more and better Democrats, this is why we need a 50 state strategy, this is why we should challenge every seat, this is why it makes a difference who our representatives are.
Boyda said that as a page Berlin will be able to show others how people deal with disabilities.
In a prepared statement, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., praised the selection of Berlin.
"Congress is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in this historic learning experience," Pelosi said.