about mathew
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Mathew W. Butler was the embodiment of human spirit as well as a pioneer in the areas of special education and person centered living in Tennessee. Mathew was born with a rare disorder called Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome which is associated with mental retardation.
Attending a segregated school, Mathew's parents petitioned for the right to have him integrated into a non-segregated setting. In their letter, Mr. and Mrs. Butler requested "that Mathew be given the chance to experience a new role with different expectations so he can reach the potential that any citizen has the right to expect." As a result, a classroom was created at Rose Park Elementary School for persons with severe disabilities.
This was one of only two such classrooms in Davidson County. Mathew went on to attend McMurray Junior High School before graduating from Antioch High School in 1989. As photographs document, Mathew's was not a "token" story of integration. Mathew thoroughly enjoyed attending football games and dances, and associating with his fellow classmates in the hallways and cafeteria.
At the age of 19, Mathew was featured in a television news story that recognized him as, "a pioneer in social integration of students with severe handicaps." Following graduation, Mathew began employment at Goodwill Industries. At the same time, he and his parents continued to develop a community living placement plan which would best meet Mathew's needs and desires.
In early 1994, Mathew became one of the first three people in Tennessee to be allocated funding for a pilot project in person centered living. In June of 1994, Mathew became the first of the three to move into his own apartment. He and his roommate attended football games, concerts, parties and other events that Mathew enjoyed. Mathew's passion for music and sporting events remained boundless.
Mathew W. Butler passed away on October 13, 1994 from complications arising from a dental procedure performed in a local hospital. In his short 27 years, he was able to have the impact on his world that most people only dream about. Mathew was, "given the chance to experience a new role with different expectations so he can reach the potential that any citizen has the right to expect." And reach it he did. To find out more about The Mathew W. Butler Foundation, please contact us today.