“I am valuable because I exist. Not because of what I do or what I have done.
I am not a burden to society — My life is worth living with respect and dignity.
I am a self-advocate speaker so that others may understand.
I am a person.
I am Emmanuel Joseph Bishop.”
Oh my heart, you guys. Emmanuel has done some pretty amazing things in his lifetime, and he says that his “great story is being written and my accomplishments and successes are to come.”
At just 19 years old, he has literally traveled the world playing his violin with orchestras and symphonies in Montreal, Turkey and South Korea to name a few.
He is also an advocate and public speaker. Emmanuel’s self-advocate presentation is targeted to parents and professionals to raise hope and awareness of the abilities in persons with Down syndrome. The presentation entitled “My Abilities” shows the life of a teenager with Down syndrome, his interests, and accomplishments in sports, music and academics.
He is also bilingual in English/Spanish and tutored in French and Latin!!
Ruby’s Rainbow awarded him a scholarship for his violin studies in 2015 and we are so proud and excited to follow his accomplishments as he continues to break down barriers and inspire others!