Empowering Individuals with Down Syndrome at School and Work
When we think back to our favorite teacher it's often not what the person said or did that we remember, but how that person made us feel. The best teachers lift us up, show us our worth, and make space for us to truly belong. For Teacher Appreciation … [Continue reading]
It's that time of year. Back to school shopping, first day of school social media posts, and well planned out lunches. But if you're a parent to a child with a disability, you have the added anxiety … [Continue reading]
Having your student with Down syndrome included in the general education classroom with proper supports can often seem like a pipe dream. Just look at the statistics: only 16% of our loved ones with … [Continue reading]
Everything is still possible in kindergarten, even for students with significant disabilities. Inclusion should come naturally, because all the students enter kindergarten at different levels. With … [Continue reading]
Here's a refrain we hear all too often in special education: "Johnny’s LRE is the Autism Program. This program is 30 minutes away from his home school and is separate from the general education … [Continue reading]
Whether your child with a disability is going back to in-person learning, a hybrid model, homeschooling with itinerant services at home, or completely virtual our back-to-school checklist will be the … [Continue reading]
The Individualized Education Plan (IEP) can be an intimidating document. It can also make or break a student's experience in special education. Parents often sit passively in IEP meetings where … [Continue reading]
Extended School Year (ESY) is an under-used and misunderstood part of special education. I've struggled to get my own son with Down syndrome meaningful ESY services. I was told that ESY was just for … [Continue reading]
I am white. I have a master's degree. I am now firmly upper-middle class. I'm lucky enough to be able to stay home and raise my kids. I spend at least a small percentage of each day … [Continue reading]
My twin sons attended the same Ohio public preschool class. My son with Down syndrome went for free and received important supports and services like Speech, OT, and PT. The other twin served as a … [Continue reading]
Tis the season to PCS! Your husband is on TDY, so it's up to you and one power of attorney to secure the movers, sell the house, organize all 18,000 pounds of stuff you plan to move, and sell that … [Continue reading]
-One of my most popular posts included 7 evidence-based research studies that prove the benefits of inclusion for students with and without disabilities. Still, I had a few readers comment that the … [Continue reading]
With more than 260 College Programs available for students with Intellectual Disabilities (ID), it's no longer a question of whether the new generation of students with ID can go to college but how to … [Continue reading]
You know what's ice cold these days? The newest trend since goths vs. jocks? Being yourself! The art of self-promotion is palpable; just look on social media. Everyone is selling a version of … [Continue reading]
Are you still skeptical about opening an ABLE account for your child with Down syndrome? Do you believe that your child's SSI or Medicaid benefits would be at risk? Are you afraid the government will … [Continue reading]
The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals recently called a school district's arguments in favor of segregating a student with Down syndrome "a bit bizarre." I've written about the case of 15-year-old Luka who … [Continue reading]
Two Ohio teachers caught on video dragging an Autistic boy will not be criminally charged. The disturbing video below shows the teachers restraining the boy. The teachers still face possible … [Continue reading]
IEP season is upon us! It's like preparing for Christmas or Hanukkah without any of the joy. Still, the results of an IEP (good or bad) will have a much more lasting impact on your child's life than … [Continue reading]
Two years ago, my twin son's preschool teacher gave them an assessment to identify common consumer products or stores like: Kroger, McDonald's, and Walt Disney. … [Continue reading]
In three short weeks my first born sons' will start kindergarten. As I prepare to send them out into the world, I am convinced that EVERYTHING IS STILL POSSIBLE. Isn't that what kindergarten is … [Continue reading]
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and Disability History Month in the state of Washington. As my journey with my own son with Down syndrome has evolved I realize that I want more than … [Continue reading]
