To the Editor:

My name is Chad Sinanian. I'm an advocate for persons with disabilities. I have disabilities, and I'm a representative and spokesman for persons with disabilities. I've been employed by Ability Beyond in Bethel since January 1994 as an advocate for persons with disabilities, and I also serve on the Boards of People First of Connecticut, the Arc of Connecticut, and the Danbury Commission on Disabilities.

I'm always speaking out and working hard to show everyone else in the various towns and communities that people with disabilities are contributing members of society and work hard to succeed in everyday life - that we have a lot of good qualities.

It's true that we have problems and difficulties that each of us needs to work on and control; that's what agencies like Ability Beyond and other agencies who administer services to persons with disabilities are for. They have trained staff who counsel and train us to show us appropriate skills so we can live in our communities and make something of our lives.

What would make individuals with disabilities extremely happy would be if everyone else would take the time to get to know and understand us, if they were to interact, associate, and be friends with us.

It would make me really happy, and I'd jump for joy if someone from the community were to walk up to me and say, "Chad, would you like to join us at the movies or go the beach with us," or "Chad, we want to be friends with you."

The point I'm trying to get across to everyone else in the different towns and communities is that persons with disabilities want to socialize, associate with, and be friends with everyone else. We want people to accept us for who we are, show us compassion or understanding, the same as you would want for your sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and relatives who have disabilities.

If you see someone with a disability who is having a problem and is showing difficulties, or if you're with someone with a disability who is having problems, please take the time to talk to and understand that person and counsel that person. Both you and persons with disabilities will have learned something from each other. We'll have made a big step further in our quest and determination to be accepted as equal human beings.

Chad Sinanian

"The People's Advocate"

52 Main Street, Danbury July 5, 2018