This is why I march. For three generations of women affected by disabilities. My mother, who blazed trails in the early years of mainstreaming, advocating for me, seeing beyond my Cerebral Palsy. My daughter, Melissa, born with a rare condition 1p36 Deletion Syndrome. She depends on the government’s assistance for her very life! And for myself. I see so much beauty and joy, along with the suffering and pain of having various disabilities. I fear for our community with the new administration…with the repeal of ACA and possible cuts to Medicaid, to greater discrimination, bullying, and marginalization. I will not hide. I will call out and be counted!

I am Sara Maze, 43 years old. I live in North Vernon, IN with my partner, Bob, and my 19 year old daughter, Melissa. Though I have my BS in Special Education, I describe my job as the Micro-manager of Melissa’s Life. Melissa is smart, funny, and beautifully full of life, while being nonverbal, prone to seizures, and a few other issues. She enjoys swimming, NASCAR, music, horses, and people watching.