Marian Ahmed gets Change Maker award

ST. PAUL, MN—The Arc Greater Twin Cities, a human rights organization working for the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has honored Marian Ahmed of Savage with its “Changing Attitudes” Changemaker Award. The award was presented at The Arc’s Volunteer Celebration and Annual Meeting earlier this month, according to a press release.

The Changemaker Awards recognize individuals or organizations for making a difference for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The “Changing Attitudes” category recognizes those who positively change public perceptions of people with disabilities.

The mother of two young sons with autism, Ahmed is changing attitudes in the Somali community, where intellectual and developmental disabilities are often stigmatized. She had the courage to have her sons diagnosed at an early age and get therapies that are helping them overcome their challenges. Now she is publicly sharing her story to encourage other Somali families to get help for their own children with disabilities.

“It takes incredible bravery to come forward and speak about an issue that people would rather deny or avoid,” said Kim Keprios, CEO of The Arc Greater Twin Cities, in a press release. “Marian has dared to bring her story to light, and her courage is making a profound difference in her community. She is helping Somali families connect with resources and become advocates for their own children. But perhaps most important, she is helping the Somali community see disability differently, and that is truly an extraordinary change.”

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