Tim Walz didn’t mention the word disability once while accepting the Democratic vice presidential nomination, but it was his son Gus, who has disabilities, who stole the show.
Gus Walz, 17, sobbed Wednesday night while sitting with his mother, Gwen, and sister, Hope, as they watched the Minnesota governor deliver his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
“Hope, Gus and Gwen, you are my entire world and I love you,” Tim Walz said.
An emotional Gus Walz pointed to his dad, stood up and said “I love you,” while emphatically nodding. “That’s my dad!” he said.
The moment came just weeks after Tim and Gwen Walz told People Magazine that their son Gus has a nonverbal learning disorder, ADHD and an anxiety disorder.
“When our youngest Gus was growing up, it became increasingly clear that he was different from his classmates,” the couple told People. “Gus preferred video games and spending more time by himself.”
They said Gus Walz wasn’t diagnosed until he was heading into his teen years.
“Like so many American families, it took us time to figure out how to make sure we did everything we could to make sure Gus would be set up for success as he was growing up,” the couple said. “It took time, but what became so immediately clear to us was that Gus’ condition is not a setback — it’s his secret power.”
Nonverbal learning disorders affect activities that are not related to words or speech such as problem-solving, visual-spatial tasks and recognizing social cues, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Tim and Gwen Walz said their son “is brilliant, hyper-aware of details that many of us pass by, and above all else, he’s an excellent son and brother to his sibling.”
Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc, said she hopes that having a major party candidate who has a child with a disability will help normalize the experience and draw attention to the needs of people in this population.
“The Walz family is one of millions across the country that include a person with a disability — about 1 in 6 children having a developmental disability — yet their experiences are often overlooked in national conversations,” she said.
“Showcasing families with disabilities on the national stage sends a powerful message that people with disabilities are valued members of society who enrich their families and communities and deserve full inclusion in all aspects of community life. We hope this increased visibility will lead to more meaningful discussions across the political spectrum about policies that foster more inclusive education, employment opportunities and accessible health care for people with disabilities.”
Maria Town, president and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities, said that it was affirming for many people in the disability community to see the Walz family’s love and support for Gus, but she also shared concern for the teen noting that there are already memes online making fun of his reactions during his father’s speech.
“I hope serious efforts are underway to protect Gus’ physical and emotional safety as we move closer to the election,” Town said. “His visibility may provide an opportunity to change the national conversation, and we implore all Americans to approach whatever Gus wants us to learn about his story with openness and respect.”
PHOTO CAPTION (ABOVE):
Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz waves to the crowd with his family after speaking at the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on Aug. 21. Walz’s wife Gwen, right, daughter Hope, left, and son Gus, joined him. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune/TNS)