By: Julia Tait
I am Julia Tait, and this is my story. My parents surrendered me into foster care when I was five days old. This is because they learned I had Apert Syndrome and that my life expectancy was six months. Since then, I have had over thirty surgeries, with most of them taking place in my early years. These surgeries were done to improve my quality of life.
School life was rough, as my teachers did not have the tools to understand what I was capable of. Little effort was made to find ways to teach me. It was a very lonely time. I had no friends, and I was constantly bullied.
By Grade 7, I demanded to be home-schooled, and my mom agreed. I graduated from Grade 12 and took an English course in college. At 19, my foster family adopted me, and the government directed me to a day program to learn “life and independent living skills.” Instead, I was treated as if I were totally incompetent.
We spent our days in one room colouring pictures. The worst part was “bathroom time” when participants would line up and go into the bathroom with two support workers. This gave an opportunity for inappropriate behavior to happen. The situation was so dire for me there that I fell into a deep depression. I told my mom I would commit suicide if I were forced to stay there.
Fortunately, I am in a good place today, feeling proud of myself and hopeful for the future. I attend L’Arche, where everyone treats me with respect. I also attend PCCRI once a week, and I love both places. It’s important to be in a place where you are seen and supported.
Despite all I have been through—the good, the bad, and the crazy—I still try to remain positive and live every day like it’s my last. I am an advocate for change in my community. I speak up for those who cannot do it for themselves and try to help wherever possible.
