When Eric Matthes was small, other kids called him names. But Eric just wanted to be treated with respect, just like everyone else.
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Utah’s First Lady, Mary Kaye Huntsman has founded the Power in You program to help teens through difficult times in their adolescence, with areas such as teen pregnancy, gangs, eating disorders and more.
Eric Matthes shares his story and his disability.
When Eric Matthes was small, other kids called him “train tracsk” and ” brace face” becaue he wore braces. Even when he was older, bullies would pick on him. But Eric just wanted to be trreated with respect, just like everyone else.
And today Eric focuses on his abilities rather than his disability … because Eric has down’s Syndrome.
Eric likes doing volunteer work, has good friends and loves to watch movies. Spiderman is a particular favorite with one line having special significance … “use your intelligence and your abilities in all good areas of your own life” … and he has.
Today, this energetic 30-year old is no shrinking violet. He served as Chairperson of People First, a self-advocacy group for disabiled adults and currently he empowers others to do the same by serving on the Power in You program, created by Utah’s First Lady, Mary Kaye Hunstman.
Recently as a member of Utah’s Best buddies organization, Eric cycled with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in the Audi Best Buddies Challenge and spoke to over 850 participants.
Erics messag still had that spiderman theme … “As a person with a disability, you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it.” And Eric has.
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If you want to know more about what you can do to help as a youth ambassador or to share you story, go to www.powerinyou.org for more information.
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