I Am a Person Too: Why Showing Up for DEI Matters

by Michael Ferris

On June 14th, a community gathered in front of Buffalo’s City Hall to raise their voices against exclusion, misinformation, and harmful rhetoric. Among the signs held high that day, one stood out with a quiet yet powerful message: “I am a person too… D.E.I.”

That sign was carried by a young man with Down syndrome, our friend, and regular member of the GiGi’s Playhouse family, John Ferris.

D.E.I. – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, isn’t just a buzzword or a policy trend. It’s a lifeline. It’s the framework that ensures individuals with disabilities, like those with Down syndrome, are seen, respected, and given the opportunities they deserve. When that framework is attacked or dismissed, we must show up.

Why We Protest

At GiGi’s Playhouse of Buffalo, we celebrate every individual’s uniqueness. We believe that all people, regardless of ability, have the right to be included, valued, and heard. That’s why we stand firmly against public statements and movements that dehumanize or diminish people with disabilities.

Recent harmful remarks targeting individuals with autism and other disabilities only further highlight how vital D.E.I. work is. When we allow such nasty and negative rhetoric to go unchecked, we risk normalizing discrimination and undoing decades of progress made through advocacy and awareness.

The Role of Community

Protesting isn’t about politics, it’s about people. It’s about standing beside our brothers, sisters, children, and friends when they are spoken about as “less than.” It’s about showing the world that people with Down syndrome are people first, people with talents, dreams, and voices that matter.

When families and allies come together, whether by holding signs, making calls, or simply listening and learning, they help reinforce a culture where every person is treated with dignity. Your presence matters. Your voice matters.

DEI Is Not Optional, It’s Essential

Inclusion isn’t just something we do in classrooms, workplaces, or community centers. It’s a mindset. It’s the understanding that our society is stronger, more compassionate, and more innovative when everyone is invited to the table.

Disability rights are human rights. When we support DEI, we’re not asking for special treatment, we’re DEMANDING fairness, accessibility, and the right to exist without fear or ridicule.

How You Can Get Involved

• Show up: Whether at a protest or community event, your physical presence sends a strong, yet positive message of solidarity.
• Speak up: Challenge harmful language and stereotypes when you hear them.
• Support inclusive spaces: Donate to organizations like GiGi’s Playhouse that encourage equity and create empowering environments for individuals with Down syndrome.
• Educate yourself and others: Understanding the value of DEI helps create long-lasting change.

People with Down syndrome, autism, and other disabilities have historically faced exclusion from classrooms, job opportunities, leadership positions, and sadly, from basic respect. Thanks to decades of advocacy, we’ve made incredible progress, but that progress is fragile. We cannot, and will not go back!

D.E.I. initiatives help ensure that individuals with disabilities are part of the conversation, whether in education, employment, healthcare, or public life. They help challenge outdated stereotypes and ensure policies are designed with everyone in mind!

Without D.E.I., the door to inclusion starts to close. And when that door closes, it affects real people like the participants, families, and friends who make up GiGi’s Playhouse of Buffalo.