30/01/2023
While she may be a liberal, and think completely differently about traditional family values, the compassion of Jacqueline Scott, described in this articles and a follow-up by BC Pires, is noteworthy, as it's rare among the "majority" Trinidad and Tobago population.
Jacqueline Scott
Twins Cassie and Keegan, 25. Both are Developmentally Delayed; Keegan also falls in the autistic and cerebral palsy spectrum.
“I had no idea what to expect as a new mother and was very overwhelmed at having twins. Cassie and Keegan were beautiful babies and the early months were the expected round of feeding, changing and juggling two babies. People started talking about milestones like turning over and sitting up which they didn’t reach. We consulted doctor after doctor with no diagnosis except one paediatrician who wrote in her report that I was “probably unable to cope and not stimulating the twins enough”. Another mentioned cerebral palsy casually. It took the throw- away words of a relative who thought my daughter looked “retarded” that started a round of tests in the US. There, they were classed as “Developmentally Delayed”. In real terms, it means that physically they cannot speak or take care of their own needs. Mentally and emotionally it’s a completely different thing. They understand, they communicate, they listen to music, they love being with family. They cannot contain or express emotions so everything comes out in a physical way, whether its affection, sadness, anger, confusion. They are very quick at picking up other people’s reactions. They are tall and big b***d. At 25, they are adults who need constant supervision.
My husband and I parted ways 8 years ago. We see things differently but there is no one in the world that loves them as much as he does or I do. They both go to the Immortelle Centre during the school term. Cassie functions at a higher level and is being taught life and vocational skills. Keegan gets occupational therapy and goes horseback riding and swimming They both can feed themselves but Keegan chokes easily so that’s a constant concern for me. He has never slept well and is still up several times in the night.
Long term plans need to be made for them when we are not here. I wish there was a place where they could be outside; planting, where there were animals, where there was a space for them and others like them to be accepted and embraced. For me, as time passes there is greater acceptance, resolve and methods of coping. I have had and continue to have my share of fear, loneliness and guilt but I have come a long way from the times where I drank too much, danced too hard, laughed too loudly and cried too much, of being defensive in public, seeing what I didn't have and what my children were not.
Now I’m in this place where I feel at peace, joyful and completely blessed . I am grateful for the people who love my children and myself the way we need to be loved. They ARE special, not because of what they cannot do but what they do every day, giving love unconditionally, never seeing race, gender, class or religion.
We have a long way to go before people with disabilities can live with dignity, rights and space in Trinidad but it’s something that all of us that are affected, take small steps towards every day."