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“Unreal” – My Trip to Washington for the President’s State of the Union Address

An interview with Sara Wolff, board member of National Down Syndrome Society, Board Member of The Arc of Pennsylvania, and her local chapter, The Arc Northeastern Pennsylvania as their Secretary.

Sara Wolff, 31, is a leading advocate for the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act for 8 years and continuing speaking and advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Down syndrome and other disabilities. Sara spoke to The Arc’s staff by phone on her way back home to Pennsylvania after attending the President’s State of the Union address as a guest of her U.S. Senator, Bob Casey. Members of Congress are given only one ticket for a guest at the annual speech before Congress. Sara and Senator Casey worked together on the ABLE Act, which President Obama signed into law in December of 2014.

What did you do before attending the speech?

I had dinner with Senator Casey and his wife, we had a great time. We also did some television interviews – it was awesome. We did four interviews together and we talked about the ABLE Act and many other issues.

What did you think about the speech?

I was very interested in many of President Obama’s points – I liked what he said about education and the middle class.

What did you think about being in the chamber?

Unreal. I felt like I was right there, with the President. Where I was seated he was right in the center. What an experience that I will never forget.

How was your seat?

It was crowded and I sat with a lot of people. I met a lot of people and I had a good time. I did have a good view of the President speaking.

What did you do after the speech?

I just hung out with my sister and Senator Casey’s staff. Went back to his office for a little while. It was a really cool night. I’m looking forward to getting home and doing more with the National Down Syndrome Society, The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and continuing to working at O’Malley & Langan Law Office in Scranton.