We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alicia Mathieu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alicia below.
Hi Alicia, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I found my purpose after receiving my son’s prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome, which completely turned my world upside down. Initially unfamiliar with the diagnosis, I delved into extensive research to understand more about it. During this process, I stumbled upon alarming statistics revealing that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) faced a significantly higher risk of sexual abuse, seven times more than those without a disability.
The shock of discovering this harsh reality ignited a strong determination within me to make a difference. Surprisingly, despite the gravity of the issue, it seemed that very little was being done to address it. In that moment, I decided that I couldn’t stand by and let my son become a statistic. I refused to accept the status quo, and the responsibility to bring about change fell on my shoulders.
My purpose crystallized as I committed myself to advocacy and action. By taking a stand against the injustice faced by individuals with IDD, I not only protect my son from these distressing statistics but also work towards creating a safer and more equitable environment for many others who are vulnerable and susceptible to similar challenges. It became a personal mission to ensure that no one else should endure the same risks and injustices that these statistics implied.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am thrilled to share more about my life and my dedication to making a difference. I am a wife to my incredible husband, David, and a mother to three amazing children—10-year-old Mac, 5-year-old Levi (who lives with Down syndrome), and 1-year-old Reece—I have found profound inspiration in my role as a parent, especially with Levi as the driving force behind my nonprofit initiative, Down to Defend.
In my capacity as the founder and president of Down to Defend, I have made it my personal mission to educate and advocate for the most vulnerable population—those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our nonprofit is committed to creating a safer world for individuals like my son, Levi, by offering a variety of safety classes and resources to our local community.
What makes our work particularly exciting and special is the focus on providing a Christian-based atmosphere in all that we do. Our commitment extends beyond ensuring physical safety – we aim to instill a profound sense of confidence in individuals with IDD. Down to Defend is not just an organization; it’s a community, driven by compassion, inclusivity, and faith.
I am thrilled to announce our FIRST upcoming masquerade gala on February 10, a momentous event aimed at raising funds to continue and expand our safety classes. Beyond fundraising, the gala serves as a platform for advocacy, shedding light on the silent epidemic of sexual abuse faced by those with IDD—a critical issue that often goes unnoticed.
Through events like the masquerade gala, we hope to not only generate financial support but also raise awareness about the challenges this community faces. It’s an opportunity for us to come together, celebrate our shared commitment to a safer world, and spark conversations that need to happen.
As we move forward, our focus remains steadfast on making a positive change in the world, ensuring that individuals with IDD are empowered, protected, and embraced by the community. I am grateful for the support of everyone who joins us in this journey and look forward to the impact we can create together.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three key qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been particularly impactful:
Research and Knowledge Acquisition:
Given the unexpected nature of my son Levi’s prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome, the ability to conduct thorough research and acquire knowledge about the diagnosis and related challenges became crucial. My advice for those early in their journey is to actively seek information, connect with support networks, and stay informed about the specific circumstances they are navigating. Empower yourself with knowledge to make informed decisions and advocate effectively.
Advocacy and Communication Skills:
Advocacy played a pivotal role in my commitment to address the alarming statistics surrounding individuals with IDD and their vulnerability to sexual abuse. Developing effective advocacy and communication skills is essential. Early on, it’s valuable to practice articulating your concerns, needs, and goals. Joining support groups or networks can provide opportunities to refine these skills and learn from others who have navigated similar paths.
Community Building, Collaboration, and Networking:
The creation of Down to Defend and its mission to create a safer world for individuals with IDD underscore the importance of community building, collaboration, and networking. My advice is to actively engage with communities, organizations, and individuals who share similar goals. Establishing a network of support, exchanging ideas, and collaborating with like-minded individuals can significantly amplify the impact of your efforts.
I firmly believe that networking is a huge part of being successful. Numerous individuals in this world share your beliefs and convictions. We are all much stronger together than we are apart. Actively seek out opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, organizations, and advocates. Networking not only expands your knowledge base but also opens doors to collaboration and collective impact. Together, we can achieve far more than any individual effort, fostering a community united in the pursuit of positive change.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely, we are always eager to partner and collaborate with individuals and organizations who share our commitment to creating a safer world for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Currently, we are actively seeking collaboration in the following areas:
1.) Instructors for Karate/Self-Defense Classes, CPR, ISR, and Healthy Relationships:
We are continuously looking for experienced instructors who can contribute their expertise to our classes on Karate, self-defense, CPR, ISR (Infant Swimming Resource), and fostering healthy relationships. If you have a passion for empowering individuals with IDD through these skills, we would love to connect with you.
2.) Expansion of Celebration Basket Contributions to Hospitals:
Our celebration baskets have been positively received, and we aspire to extend their reach beyond our immediate surroundings. If you are involved in a hospital or healthcare facility and believe in the impact of our celebration baskets, we welcome collaboration to bring these gestures of joy and support to more locations.
3.)Ideas for Classes and Initiatives:
We are open to exploring new ideas for classes and initiatives that align with our mission. If you have innovative concepts or suggestions for collaboration that can enhance our programs and advocacy efforts, we are keen to hear from you.
If you are reading this and are interested in collaborating with us, whether as an instructor, a hospital partner, or someone with fresh ideas, please feel free to reach out. You can connect with us through our website at www.downtodefend.org, or email me at [email protected]. Together, we can make a more significant impact and continue to build a community dedicated to the well-being and safety of individuals with IDD.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.downtodefend.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Down2Defend
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-mathieu-15076a262/
