Karen McConeghy Prewitt, a 30-year resident of Jacksonville originally from Chicago, was in the process of sending her 18-year-old daughter, Courtney, to college when she discovered that she and her husband were expecting. The pregnancy alone was shocking enough, but finding out their son, Caleb, had both Down syndrome and heart defects was even more so.
But Karen and David, her husband of 29 years, didn’t grieve his diagnosis. Instead, Karen says it expanded their worldview and made them more inclusive. She now works with numerous disability groups and agencies, both locally and statewide, including the Jacksonville Mayor’s Disability Council, North Florida School of Special Education Board, Family Care Council Area 4 Council, Horse Sense & Sensitivity Board, and Duval County Exceptional Education Student Services Advisory Committee. She’s also served as the Family Outreach Coordinator for the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville, the Volunteer Manager for HabiJax, the director of Special Olympics Florida, and currently, is the Young Athletes Program (YAP) Chair for Special Olympics Duval County. She also is an active advocate for legislation that will help families in the disability community both now and in the future. She calls her advocacy not just her life’s work, but her passion.
Much of her time is also spent with her now-10-year-old Caleb, a budding Down syndrome self-advocate and brand ambassador. Caleb is also a sports enthusiast who loves learning to improve his cooking skills.
What is the one thing that motivates you and pushes you to do more?
The fact that people with disabilities have abilities that are often overlooked. So much has changed since Caleb was born. We now have more stories, models, business owners, even actors and television shows featuring people with Down syndrome and other unique abilities. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We can do better. Awareness can be better. Acceptance can be better. Inclusion can be better. We need to realize that the world is made up of people who have unique gifts and talents. Recognizing those, and helping bring them to the spotlight, that’s what motivates me. Look around to see the beauty in others; the different people who brighten your day. This is what our world looks like now, expanded to include all abilities. It’s a great world.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
Other people’s perceptions. People who don’t take the time or energy to appreciate those with unique abilities. Production is the gold standard. Everyone moves so fast these days. Time is money; finish one project and move onto the next. Making it through the day, the week. Life with Caleb has taught us to slow down a bit and enjoy each day. We look for strengths in our children, whatever they might be, and showcase those. Every one of us has something to offer the world; give people with unique abilities a chance and let them show you what they can do.
How do you balance work, time with family and time for yourself?
Funny, because “balance” is my word for 2018. It’s something I have to work on. I’m very Type A and get involved in so many projects and issues. Balance is something I’m deliberately working on. I’m probably not a great example for balance at this point… but I’m working on it! Running — I’m a lifelong runner — is a great release for me. Also, I think it’s easier for our family to have time together now that David is retired, and we can travel as a family. Caleb is very involved in Special Olympics and other sports as well. Our weekends are probably busier than our weeks these days, but we try do things as a family. Our faith is a huge factor as well. Taking time to spend at worship and in fellowship is very important to us. It keeps us grounded and appreciative.
How do you define personal success?
For me, I would define success as finding your passion and exploring it. Enjoying your role, whatever it may be, so that you feel good at the end of the day. Life is definitely more than a paycheck. Working to advocate for the disability community is certainly my passion; doing what I can to make our community more inclusive, more welcoming. To quote a friend who happens to have Down syndrome, “I love my life!”
What advice do you have for other moms?
Life is busy. Kids, spouses, careers, events. One of the best pieces of advice someone gave me when Caleb was born was to make sure my own air mask was on first, before I could help anyone else. Find those things that help keep you healthy and sane — friends, exercise, spiritual
studies, etc. — and make time for them. Cut out TV or internet for a half hour. Life is too short to not make time for yourself. Work on discovering your passion. Explore different activities. Get out of your rut and try something new. Bring a friend along if it makes it easier! Get to know people with unique abilities! Visit connectablejax.com to see different volunteer opportunities with many great local agencies, including Special Olympics, The Arc Jacksonville, The North Florida School of Special Education and the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville. You might find that those with differences are really more alike than you realize!
A question for Caleb, Karen’s son:
What do you love most about your mom?
[She’s] fun!
Moms Doing More in the 904 is a new series that highlights local moms who are making a big difference in our community. Want to tell us about an inspiring mom who is doing something great? Tag us on social media @JaxMomsBlog with the hashtag #MomsInThe904.
