Today love takes on a unique and different shape. It is inherently special to the people involved. Sometimes it’s really difficult for others to understand or see what the benefits of other people’s relationships. As a result, this can lead to negating the value or placing judgement on other’s relationships.
Unfortunately, this is very common for adults with developmental disabilities. Society scrutinizes their romantic relationships. What we forget, is that humans want to be loved. It is very normal and healthy for adults with and without disabilities to have significant others. It is our human right to freely engage with a loving partner.
Read about Tommy & Maryanne’s love story in a posting by Stephen’s Place, Home for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Tommy and Maryanne fell for each other in 1990, after meeting at a training center for adults with disabilities. “The day Maryanne met Tommy she came home with the biggest smile on her face. She couldn’t stop talking about him and asked if he could come for dinner,” said Maryanne’s mother. 18 months later, Tommy asked Maryanne’s mother for her blessing and Maryanne for her hand in marriage. Today is their 29th Valentine’s Day together.
