Kailin Kelderman enjoyed her first beer on her 21st birthday earlier this year with her sister and she is definitely living the college dream at the University of Nevada Reno. She lives across from campus with a roommate and is taking Introduction to Women’s Studies and Physical Education this semester. She is also on the board of directors for the Down Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada and still finds time to rock her own glass art business, Kelderman Klassy Glass.

I think some people are surprised when they see people with Down syndrome enjoying a cocktail, beer or glass of wine. My friend Heather was out having dinner and a beer with a friend of hers recently who just happens to have Down syndrome and I love how they BOTH handled it when the waitress had questions. Heather said, “We had an older waitress who was a little unsure when Kayla ordered her beer and veggie pizza. She came over to my ear and whispered ‘she is old enough, right?’ I told her, ‘you can absolutely ask for her ID, she’s an old broad but she has really good genes!’ Kayla piped in ‘Yes! Never be afraid to ask someone even if they are differently abled for their ID.’ The waitress smiled and thanked us both. Super cool moment.”

People with Down syndrome are just like you and me. I know I am preaching to the choir here for a lot of you, but I think there are still some people that don’t fully understand this. They have likes and dislikes, people they want to hang out with and people they don’t…they want love and acceptance. They dream of marriage, driving, having their dream job, independence and yes…turning 21 and having their first beer. Not only is Kailin enjoying a beer when she wants, she is also engaged to the love of her life as well! All of these things are wonderful pieces of life that we all deserve if we choose! I hope someday I get to cheers Ruby Doobs on her 21st birthday and we can enjoy a day of doing whatever Ruby wants to do. I know she will have the ups and downs of life just like we all have, and I hope she knows I am there for her every step of the way!

Cheers Kailin!! Keep on rockin’ it!!