Overview

The first memoir written by a person with Down syndrome In this inspiring memoir, David Egan tells his own story, authentically describing a life of maximizing his abilities, as he advocates for himself and for all other people with disabilities. This book is yet another first in a life that has seen many firsts, a life buoyed by an optimistic perspective that refuses to be limited by stereotypes and the low expectations of others. As he says in the introduction, ""You see there is an upside to Down. It has made me look at the words 'abilities' and 'disabilities' in a very different way than most of the world. A better way. A more inclusive way. A smarter way. I use the word 'smarter' very deliberately because one of the biggest perceptions of people with intellectual disabilities is that we are not smart."" You will be quickly disabused of this faulty notion as you read David's impressive story. He has worked for more than twenty years for prestigious companies; he sits on the boards of two important advocacy organizations; he has addressed thousands of people as an advocate for people with disabilities; and he has competed in the Special Olympics. In describing his personal challenges and goals, he also conveys valuable lessons that apply to all people: the importance of a supporting family and friends; the need for others to see him and other people with disabilities as persons first, not just as examples of a diagnosis; the power of inclusion in school settings and community activities; the encouraging role that sports can play; the need for society to focus on our shared humanity despite differences; how to allow yourself to dream and to imagine possibilities; and much more. Concluding with an action plan detailing how individuals can discover their own abilities and how society can nurture those abilities, this is a book of hope that will encourage everyone to make the most of their lives.

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9781633886285

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Reviews

Most people search their whole lives for their purpose, but David Egan has always been driven to achieve inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. In this deeply personal book, he shares the experiences that shaped his life and family. This book is one of a kind: the honest, inclusive, insightful and moving story of the dreams and triumphs of a remarkable man with Down syndrome. --Dr. Timothy P Shriver, Chairman, Special Olympics International

David Egan's book is an empowering message about overcoming challenges and dismissing stereotypes. His captivating story gives readers an honest and optimistic glimpse into his journey and how he became a vehicle of change to promote inclusion for all. -- Paul Big Show Wight, WWE Superstar and Special Olympics Global Ambassador David's life story is an inspiration to all and especially for those who have Down syndrome. I'm grateful for his friendship and influence on me and my family. He is an extraordinary role model for our son, Cole, who also has Down syndrome. His book is a must read for anyone who believes in the potential and value of living life to the fullest. He has had amazing experiences all over the world and has always believed as well as his family that he could do anything he desired. David is a trailblazer and a tremendous ability advocate as detailed in this book. -- Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Washington State Representative (R-05) More Alike Than Different is a wonderful, inspirational and well-written account of all aspects of David's and his families' journey. --Joe O'Brien, Senior Vice President, CBRE This book is both inspiring and informative. David Egan is quite a remarkable young man. His testimony before my Senate committee in 2011 about his work experiences led to changes in the law to provide career transition internships to young people with disabilities while they are still in school. At the beginning of this book David asks that we not put people with disabilities 'in a box with a label.' In reading this book you'll understand why: Persons with disabilities are, like everyone else, 'complex individuals.' Yes David, we are 'more alike than different.' -- Thomas Richard Harkin, Former Senator (D-IA) David Egan refuses to let his chromosomal count define him. His memoir has a lesson for all of us: determination and love can smash societal limitations. --Dr. Brian Skotko, MD, MPP, Emma Campbell Endowed Chair on Down Syndrome, Massachusetts General Hospital & Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School David's story is vivid, powerful, and informative. David unveils his unique world in an accessible way that will engage all readers. As a father of a child with Down syndrome, I admire David tremendously and find his book inspiring. And I think anyone who reads David's story will laugh, cry, and emerge with a greater understanding of how people with disabilities overcome challenges to contribute greatly to our world. --Paul Eder, PhD, Management & Strategy Consultant and co-author of Firestarters: How Innovators, Instigators, and Initiators Can Inspire You to Ignite Your Own Life David shares a unique and personal story that highlights his vision and the power of inclusion. He is a valued employee who on a daily basis and through this book shows us that we, along with those we serve at SourceAmerica, are more alike than different. --Vince Loose, President and CEO, SourceAmerica David is a highly effective advocate who approaches everything in life -including this book -with cleverness, humor and persistence. It has been my pleasure to work with him on advocacy issues over the past decade, and I can't wait to see what he will accomplish in the future! -Heather Sachs, J.D., Policy & Advocacy Director, National Down Syndrome Congress David Egan has led a life that is both ordinary and extraordinary. As David notes in his book, we're all more alike than different; however, his commitment to excellence and advocacy is uncommon and worthy of recognition. The world is a better place because David is in it. -David Tolleson, Executive Director, National Down Syndrome Congress I've loved David Egan and his mother Kathleen since meeting them when our son Caleb was very young. His achievements have been nothing less than inspiring and set us on the path to reach for similar goals. In More Alike than Different, David reminds readers of how far our world has come for people with Down syndrome. Changing perceptions - and expectations - have given rise to more inclusion. His lessons are many and his life has been one of breaking barriers -David encourages our community to dream and to set high expectations, just as he and his family have for over 40 years now. Thank you, David, for your leadership and inspiration! -Karen Prewitt, Parent and National Down Syndrome Society Ambassador David Egan has knocked it out of the park. His writing is witty, poignant and authentic. His message that all of us, given the opportunity, can contribute to society and have a fulfilling life, is a powerful one. As a parent of a child with Down syndrome and a board member of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, it is awesome to know we have David leading the charge for others to participate in their communities and in game-changing research. -John C. McGinley, Global Down Syndrome Foundation Board member If you are a parent, teacher, sibling, self-advocate or just a human being, this is the guide you need, written by a man with Down syndrome who lives by the precept 'nothing about us without us, ' a mantra of inclusion whereby an individual with disability must be part of the decision-making process. This book demonstrates how to be inclusive at home, school, play, work, and life. -Amy Van Bergen, Interim Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA) In More Alike than Different, David tells his life story with warmth and wit - sharing life lessons we can all relate to: the power of friends, family, and mentors; the impact of a great teacher; what it means to be a champion; and the importance of giving back. David's ability, determination, and character have brought him jobs in the halls of Congress and Fortune 500 companies, an invitation to speak at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games, and much more. His warm, witty life story has lessons for us all. -Dr. Ralph W. Shrader, Chairman and Retired Chief Executive Officer, Booz Allen Hamilton Most people search their whole lives for their purpose, but David Egan has always been driven to achieve inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. In this deeply personal book, he shares the experiences that shaped his life and family. This book is one of a kind: the honest, inclusive, insightful and moving story of the dreams and triumphs of a remarkable man with Down syndrome. --Dr. Timothy P Shriver, Chairman, Special Olympics International

"""David shares a unique and personal story that highlights his vision and the power of inclusion. He is a valued employee who on a daily basis and through this book shows us that we, along with those we serve at SourceAmerica, are more alike than different."" --Vince Loose, President and CEO, SourceAmerica ""David Egan's book is an empowering message about overcoming challenges and dismissing stereotypes. His captivating story gives readers an honest and optimistic glimpse into his journey and how he became a vehicle of change to promote inclusion for all."" -- Paul ""Big Show"" Wight, WWE Superstar and Special Olympics Global Ambassador ""David's life story is an inspiration to all and especially for those who have Down syndrome. I'm grateful for his friendship and influence on me and my family. He is an extraordinary role model for our son, Cole, who also has Down syndrome. His book is a must read for anyone who believes in the potential and value of living life to the fullest. He has had amazing experiences all over the world and has always believed as well as his family that he could do anything he desired. David is a trailblazer and a tremendous ability advocate as detailed in this book."" -- Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Washington State Representative (R-05) ""More Alike Than Different is a wonderful, inspirational and well-written account of all aspects of David's and his families' journey."" --Joe O'Brien, Senior Vice President, CBRE ""Most people search their whole lives for their purpose, but David Egan has always been driven to achieve inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. In this deeply personal book, he shares the experiences that shaped his life and family. This book is one of a kind: the honest, inclusive, insightful and moving story of the dreams and triumphs of a remarkable man with Down syndrome."" --Dr. Timothy P Shriver, Chairman, Special Olympics International ""This book is both inspiring and informative. David Egan is quite a remarkable young man. His testimony before my Senate committee in 2011 about his work experiences led to changes in the law to provide career transition internships to young people with disabilities while they are still in school. At the beginning of this book David asks that we not put people with disabilities 'in a box with a label.' In reading this book you'll understand why: Persons with disabilities are, like everyone else, 'complex individuals.' Yes David, we are 'more alike than different.'"" -- Thomas Richard Harkin, Former Senator (D-IA) ""David is a highly effective advocate who approaches everything in life -including this book -with cleverness, humor and persistence. It has been my pleasure to work with him on advocacy issues over the past decade, and I can't wait to see what he will accomplish in the future!"" -Heather Sachs, J.D., Policy & Advocacy Director, National Down Syndrome Congress ""David Egan has knocked it out of the park. His writing is witty, poignant and authentic. His message that all of us, given the opportunity, can contribute to society and have a fulfilling life, is a powerful one. As a parent of a child with Down syndrome and a board member of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, it is awesome to know we have David leading the charge for others to participate in their communities and in game-changing research."" -John C. McGinley, Global Down Syndrome Foundation Board member ""David Egan has led a life that is both ordinary and extraordinary. As David notes in his book, we're all more alike than different; however, his commitment to excellence and advocacy is uncommon and worthy of recognition. The world is a better place because David is in it."" -David Tolleson, Executive Director, National Down Syndrome Congress ""David Egan refuses to let his chromosomal count define him. His memoir has a lesson for all of us: determination and love can smash societal limitations."" --Dr. Brian Skotko, MD, MPP, Emma Campbell Endowed Chair on Down Syndrome, Massachusetts General Hospital & Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School ""David's story is vivid, powerful, and informative. David unveils his unique world in an accessible way that will engage all readers. As a father of a child with Down syndrome, I admire David tremendously and find his book inspiring. And I think anyone who reads David's story will laugh, cry, and emerge with a greater understanding of how people with disabilities overcome challenges to contribute greatly to our world."" --Paul Eder, PhD, Management & Strategy Consultant and co-author of Firestarters: How Innovators, Instigators, and Initiators Can Inspire You to Ignite Your Own Life ""I've loved David Egan and his mother Kathleen since meeting them when our son Caleb was very young. His achievements have been nothing less than inspiring and set us on the path to reach for similar goals. In More Alike than Different, David reminds readers of how far our world has come for people with Down syndrome. Changing perceptions - and expectations - have given rise to more inclusion. His lessons are many and his life has been one of breaking barriers -David encourages our community to dream and to set high expectations, just as he and his family have for over 40 years now. Thank you, David, for your leadership and inspiration!"" -Karen Prewitt, Parent and National Down Syndrome Society Ambassador ""If you are a parent, teacher, sibling, self-advocate or just a human being, this is the guide you need, written by a man with Down syndrome who lives by the precept 'nothing about us without us, ' a mantra of inclusion whereby an individual with disability must be part of the decision-making process. This book demonstrates how to be inclusive at home, school, play, work, and life."" -Amy Van Bergen, Interim Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA) ""In More Alike than Different, David tells his life story with warmth and wit - sharing life lessons we can all relate to: the power of friends, family, and mentors; the impact of a great teacher; what it means to be a champion; and the importance of giving back. David's ability, determination, and character have brought him jobs in the halls of Congress and Fortune 500 companies, an invitation to speak at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games, and much more. His warm, witty life story has lessons for us all."" -Dr. Ralph W. Shrader, Chairman and Retired Chief Executive Officer, Booz Allen Hamilton"

David shares a unique and personal story that highlights his vision and the power of inclusion. He is a valued employee who on a daily basis and through this book shows us that we, along with those we serve at SourceAmerica, are more alike than different. --Vince Loose, President and CEO, SourceAmerica David is a highly effective advocate who approaches everything in life -including this book -with cleverness, humor and persistence. It has been my pleasure to work with him on advocacy issues over the past decade, and I can't wait to see what he will accomplish in the future! -Heather Sachs, J.D., Policy & Advocacy Director, National Down Syndrome Congress David Egan has led a life that is both ordinary and extraordinary. As David notes in his book, we're all more alike than different; however, his commitment to excellence and advocacy is uncommon and worthy of recognition. The world is a better place because David is in it. -David Tolleson, Executive Director, National Down Syndrome Congress I've loved David Egan and his mother Kathleen since meeting them when our son Caleb was very young. His achievements have been nothing less than inspiring and set us on the path to reach for similar goals. In More Alike than Different, David reminds readers of how far our world has come for people with Down syndrome. Changing perceptions - and expectations - have given rise to more inclusion. His lessons are many and his life has been one of breaking barriers -David encourages our community to dream and to set high expectations, just as he and his family have for over 40 years now. Thank you, David, for your leadership and inspiration! -Karen Prewitt, Parent and National Down Syndrome Society Ambassador David Egan has knocked it out of the park. His writing is witty, poignant and authentic. His message that all of us, given the opportunity, can contribute to society and have a fulfilling life, is a powerful one. As a parent of a child with Down syndrome and a board member of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, it is awesome to know we have David leading the charge for others to participate in their communities and in game-changing research. -John C. McGinley, Global Down Syndrome Foundation Board member If you are a parent, teacher, sibling, self-advocate or just a human being, this is the guide you need, written by a man with Down syndrome who lives by the precept 'nothing about us without us, ' a mantra of inclusion whereby an individual with disability must be part of the decision-making process. This book demonstrates how to be inclusive at home, school, play, work, and life. -Amy Van Bergen, Interim Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA) In More Alike than Different, David tells his life story with warmth and wit - sharing life lessons we can all relate to: the power of friends, family, and mentors; the impact of a great teacher; what it means to be a champion; and the importance of giving back. David's ability, determination, and character have brought him jobs in the halls of Congress and Fortune 500 companies, an invitation to speak at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games, and much more. His warm, witty life story has lessons for us all. -Dr. Ralph W. Shrader, Chairman and Retired Chief Executive Officer, Booz Allen Hamilton Most people search their whole lives for their purpose, but David Egan has always been driven to achieve inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. In this deeply personal book, he shares the experiences that shaped his life and family. This book is one of a kind: the honest, inclusive, insightful and moving story of the dreams and triumphs of a remarkable man with Down syndrome. --Dr. Timothy P Shriver, Chairman, Special Olympics International

David is a highly effective advocate who approaches everything in life -including this book -with cleverness, humor and persistence. It has been my pleasure to work with him on advocacy issues over the past decade, and I can't wait to see what he will accomplish in the future! -Heather Sachs, J.D., Policy & Advocacy Director, National Down Syndrome Congress David Egan has led a life that is both ordinary and extraordinary. As David notes in his book, we're all more alike than different; however, his commitment to excellence and advocacy is uncommon and worthy of recognition. The world is a better place because David is in it. -David Tolleson, Executive Director, National Down Syndrome Congress I've loved David Egan and his mother Kathleen since meeting them when our son Caleb was very young. His achievements have been nothing less than inspiring and set us on the path to reach for similar goals. In More Alike than Different, David reminds readers of how far our world has come for people with Down syndrome. Changing perceptions - and expectations - have given rise to more inclusion. His lessons are many and his life has been one of breaking barriers -David encourages our community to dream and to set high expectations, just as he and his family have for over 40 years now. Thank you, David, for your leadership and inspiration! -Karen Prewitt, Parent and National Down Syndrome Society Ambassador David Egan has knocked it out of the park. His writing is witty, poignant and authentic. His message that all of us, given the opportunity, can contribute to society and have a fulfilling life, is a powerful one. As a parent of a child with Down syndrome and a board member of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, it is awesome to know we have David leading the charge for others to participate in their communities and in game-changing research. -John C. McGinley, Global Down Syndrome Foundation Board member If you are a parent, teacher, sibling, self-advocate or just a human being, this is the guide you need, written by a man with Down syndrome who lives by the precept 'nothing about us without us, ' a mantra of inclusion whereby an individual with disability must be part of the decision-making process. This book demonstrates how to be inclusive at home, school, play, work, and life. -Amy Van Bergen, Interim Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA) In More Alike than Different, David tells his life story with warmth and wit - sharing life lessons we can all relate to: the power of friends, family, and mentors; the impact of a great teacher; what it means to be a champion; and the importance of giving back. David's ability, determination, and character have brought him jobs in the halls of Congress and Fortune 500 companies, an invitation to speak at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games, and much more. His warm, witty life story has lessons for us all. -Dr. Ralph W. Shrader, Chairman and Retired Chief Executive Officer, Booz Allen Hamilton Most people search their whole lives for their purpose, but David Egan has always been driven to achieve inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. In this deeply personal book, he shares the experiences that shaped his life and family. This book is one of a kind: the honest, inclusive, insightful and moving story of the dreams and triumphs of a remarkable man with Down syndrome. --Dr. Timothy P Shriver, Chairman, Special Olympics International

Author Information

David Egan is a Community Relations Specialist for the Government Affairs Team at SourceAmerica. Previously, he worked for Booz Allen Hamilton for twenty years. He sits on the boards of the Arc of Northern Virginia and the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia and has been a board member of Special Olympics Virginia. He was the first person with an intellectual disability to be awarded a Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Public Policy Fellowship, serving first in Congress with the Social Security subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee and then with the National Down Syndrome Society. A leader in the Special Olympics movement, in which he has competed in five sports, he was one of twelve worldwide Sargent Shriver International Global Messengers, serving as a spokesperson at the Summer International Games in Los Angeles, CA, and the Winter International Games in Austria. He has won many awards from the National Down Syndrome Society and the 2002 Virginia Special Olympics Hero's Award. Kathleen Egan is a retired professional whose career spanned a range of leadership positions in academia, government, and the private sector. Married and a parent of four adult children, she is an active advocate for people with intellectual disabilities at the local, national, and international levels.

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