Latinx Heritage Month: A Message from Diana Santiago, MAC Senior Attorney

As a Latina born and raised in the United States, I am proud to share my heritage with so many of you – the families I’ve met in my work on MAC’s Proyecto Acceso. I grew up fortunate to spend several summers on the enchanted island of Puerto Rico with my family. I would spend hours in my Abuelos’ back yard chasing lagartijos with a blade of grass looped to catch them (gently) around the neck. Some of my happiest childhood memories are with my cousins on Dorado beach. And the food! I miss the days when I could enjoy an alcapurria (or 2) a day with no repercussions. Although I grew up mostly in the United States, my father always made the best pernil on Christmas eve and made sure that we left food for the camellos so that Los Reyes Magos would make their way to our home on January 6th. Now I do the same with my children.

Left to right: Diana with her sisters and father at the University of Puerto Rico; Diana’s young cousin sits in a laundry basket listening as their grandfather plays the cuatro next to him; Diana’s grandparents pose for a picture outside of their home in Puerto Rico

As a parent I know that raising children can be hard. Through Proyecto Acceso, I can imagine how much harder it is when your children are surrounded by a different language and the influences of a different culture. Add to that navigating an unfamiliar education system and a global pandemic that has disproportionately devastated our community. It is infuriating to hear from parents who have been ignored, left in the dark regarding their child’s educational needs because of a language barrier, or who are afraid to speak up about their child’s needs for fear of retaliation.

Mostly, though, our Latinx families bring me great hope. I see the many ways in which we fight hard to see our children thrive and then give back to our community. Despite the difficulties our communities have faced, we don’t give up. It is incredible to see parents who have struggled advocating for their own children with disabilities turn around to support other parents just being thrown into the special education process. I feel privileged to be part of the community we’ve built together, and the diverse and beautiful cultures and values that tie us together. 

Happy Latinx Heritage Month and thank you for being a part of the MAC community.

Diana Santiago
Senior Attorney
Proyecto Acceso a La Educación Especial