CHICAGO – During her junior high years, Jessica Anacker experienced bullying due to her learning disability and recalls a day when a teacher pulled her aside after an incident in class.

Rather than addressing the bully, the teacher placed the blame on Anacker for being bullied, she shared.

Anacker responded fiercely, asserting that it was the teacher’s responsibility to intervene.

Now, as the president of the Texas Democrats With Disabilities Caucus and a delegate at this week’s Democratic National Convention, Anacker is hopeful that the government will now have someone addressing such matters effectively.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the running mate of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, has openly shared his love and pride for his 17-year-old son Gus, who is living with ADHD, a non-verbal learning disorder, and anxiety. Tim and his wife, Gwen, both former educators, expressed in a recent statement to People magazine that they’ve never viewed Gus’s conditions as limitations.

“Like many American families, we took time to find the best ways to support Gus in his journey,” they stated.

“It wasn’t immediate, but we soon recognized that Gus’s challenges are not obstacles; rather, they are his unique strengths,” they added.

As Walz made his acceptance speech in front of a packed arena at the United Center Wednesday night, Gus was in attendance, seated with his mother and sister, Hope, and was visibly emotional.

“Hope, Gus, and Gwen – you mean everything to me, and I love you,” Walz expressed.

Gus leaped from his seat, deeply moved by his father’s words.

He raised his finger, exclaiming, “I love you, dad.”

Supporters of those with learning disabilities believe that the Walz family’s candidness about their son, along with their willingness to speak out, will enhance awareness and aid others in similar situations.

“It’s beneficial when political figures, who are aspiring for office, are at ease discussing disability matters and don’t consider them off-limits,” noted Zoe Gross, the advocacy director for the Autistic Self Advocacy Network based in Washington.

When prominent individuals share their experiences related to disability, it encourages more people to be open about their own or their family members’ disabilities, Gross explained.

“This openness is valuable,” she continued, “as discussing the needs within the disability community is essential for societal understanding, similar to how we discuss the needs of any marginalized group.”

Demonstrating their commitment to disability rights, Gwen Walz made an unexpected appearance on Tuesday at a session for disability advocates attending the Democratic convention in Chicago. Although she did not mention her son during her brief speech, she affirmed that her husband is dedicated to ensuring “that every student and every individual has the opportunity to succeed.”

Tim Walz isn’t the first vice-presidential candidate with a child with a disability. In 2008, Republican nominee Sarah Palin had a son, Trig, who has Down syndrome, and she held him on stage after her acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention. Amy Coney Barrett, who was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2020, also has a son with Down syndrome.

In their statement to People magazine, Tim and Gwen Walz mentioned recognizing Gus’s special qualities early in his life.

“As Gus was growing, it became more evident that he was distinct from his peers,” they shared. “He showed a preference for video games and often enjoyed solitary activities.”

As he entered his teenage years, they discovered he was not only dealing with an anxiety disorder, but also ADHD—a brain development issue beginning in childhood, characterized by difficulty in maintaining focus, hyperactivity, and issues with impulse control.

ADHD is fairly common among adults, impacting an estimated 139 million to 360 million individuals worldwide, as stated by the Cleveland Clinic. With proper treatment, many individuals can manage their symptoms and lead satisfying lives despite the challenges.

Anacker, who is a Texas delegate at the Democratic convention, emphasizes the need for advocates in leadership roles to support individuals with ADHD and other learning challenges.

As a neurodivergent person, she identifies as having a brain that functions differently than the average individual. She also faces a speech impediment and dysgraphia, a condition that makes it challenging for individuals to translate thoughts into writing.

Reflecting on high school, she recalls moments of frustration when unable to draw a simple frog in science class. As an adult, she has struggled to find stable employment due to a lack of accommodation from employers regarding her disabilities.

Regardless of the election outcome in November, advocates remain hopeful that the next administration will prioritize the needs of Americans living with disabilities.

For instance, Gross’s organization seeks broader access to home and community-based services via Medicaid, which she highlights as a critical concern for those with autism. Many states maintain long waiting lists for these services, and staff turnover is high due to inadequate pay for service providers, Gross explains.

Additionally, advocates are calling for an expansion in employment services, a shift in government research focus towards enhancing quality of life, and implementing a nationwide ban on the use of seclusion or physical restraints in schools, except when necessary to prevent immediate harm, such as stopping someone from running into a busy street.

Senator Tammy Duckworth, who served in the Iraq War and suffered significant injuries when her helicopter was hit, remarked that Walz’s openness about his son will help all individuals with disabilities.

“Disability has often been something kept in the shadows – you care for your loved ones but don’t discuss it openly,” stated Duckworth, a Democratic senator from Illinois, after engaging with disability advocates at the Democratic convention. “Many with disabilities have remained homebound, not participating in the workforce, and it’s essential to normalize their presence in society to demonstrate their capability in the workplace.”

Regardless of how the election unfolds in November, advocates assert that Walz is already raising awareness about ADHD and learning disabilities simply by sharing his son’s story throughout the campaign.

“We cherish our Gus,” Tim and Gwen Walz expressed in a joint statement. “We are proud of the young man he is becoming, and we eagerly look forward to having him with us on this journey.”

Michael Collins reports on the White House. Follow him on X @mcollinsNEWS.