Kimberly Blackmon

Down syndrome can't stop Kimberly Blackmon. She mastered office skills in her studies at Tarrant County College and Eastern New Mexico University. She's a data entry specialist for a construction company. But that's just one part of her life. She has a message to spread. 

Blackmon's a self-advocate - "a person that speaks up for all people that have a disability, including myself," she says. "A lot of people that have a disability are not able to speak for themselves about their many needs, such as housing, transportation, vocational, self-help training and more." 

A member of The Arc of Greater Tarrant County, Blackmon was recently appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities. 

She recently addressed the fourth annual Snowflakes & Diamonds Gala, an event that benefits the Red River Valley Down Syndrome Society. Her speech inspired the crowd. "It was about my whole life," Blackmon said. 

There was much to talk about: 

Blackmon lives independently near TCU. She's active in We Have A Voice, a performing arts group for people with disabilities. Her volunteer work includes serving as a hostess for Arc's Friday Nite Live, a social group that gathers monthly for fun and recreation. 

She treasures memories of her studies at TCC. "I learned a lot from my great teachers. TCC helped me prepare for a job and be independent." Those achievements bring her great joy and stoke her message. She says, "People with Down syndrome can get a job," she says, "if they are prepared and use a job coach, and they can live independently and be responsible citizens."