NDSS
I recently came across an article on The Washington Post about New York native Kayla McKeon, who is the first Congress lobbyist with Down Syndrome. She’s worked in Congress part-time for the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) since October 2017.
What moved me about McKeon story is that it goes to show, where there is a will, there is a way. That is indeed an Esteemable Act.
In an interview with WPC, McKeon said, “I make personal connections, tell personal stories. It’s hard for them to say no.”
Sara Hart Weir, the president and chief executive of NDSS, recruited McKeon for the lobbyist position said about her, “I wanted to put somebody on staff like Kayla who would influence members of Congress. Kayla is one of the most impressive young, vibrant individuals with Down syndrome I have ever met. She’s spunky, she doesn’t take no for an answer, and she’s quite charming. She has all the characteristics of an exceptional lobbyist.”
McKeon’s position is to advocate for persons with disabilities in the workplace. And she is the ideal example of a person with a disability being able to excel at everything she puts their mind towards.
McKeon’s mother said: “She’s always been a hard worker and also very stubborn, and I think that’s what’s gotten her to where she is today.” Read more about McKeon here.
So, what does it take to succeed and brake down the walls of the ‘I can’t’ attitude?
Focus!
Yes, focus is the key to making something happen. It’s about being attentive to the goal, about keeping the end in mind. I learned from a wise person, many years ago, that where I place my attention is what I manifest.
Staying focused and on track is about keeping agreements with ourselves. Eventually, to succeed at what we want to do in life, we must start doing the things that lead to our success, regardless of our shortcomings or life’s distractions. We must be willing to take an action despite how we feel. We must focus on the goal – no matter what!
