I am enmeshed in the world of people helping people; of making inclusion work. Personally and professionally. I am on a high learning curve, always, with both Wil and the children I work with. Down syndrome looks much different than other disabilities, and of course, no matter the disability, each individual is their very own … Continue reading Inclusion
Abled and Disabled: Together We Just Do
When I was a very young child I remember asking my dad, "What IF this happens? And what IF that happens? Then what IF this happens?" He looked at me and replied, "There are no 'what if's.' You just do." I don't remember much else other than we were in the car on our way … Continue reading Abled and Disabled: Together We Just Do
Wil Rode the School Bus Today!
Wil rode the school bus today. In this house we take no such statements for granted. In middle school, Wil riding the bus proved unsuccessful. He was already having a hard time transitioning to a new school with new educators and hormones were in full effect. The middle school years are challenging; then add in … Continue reading Wil Rode the School Bus Today!
Blooming Naturally
Opening minds to acceptance need not be negative. My journey with Wil’s diagnosis is likened to a flower blossoming through a crack in the concrete, unfolding, stretching, growing, reaching, and opening fully to the sun. At first unbelievable, then freeing, and now a natural part of life. Disability is a natural part of the human … Continue reading Blooming Naturally
Change Doesn’t Happen Until We Have Reason to Care
He’s a 16-year-old kid. He wants to be a 16-year-old kid the way he is, just like any 16-year-old kid wants to do things the way they do. Why should a kid with prosthetic legs be an inspiration when he plays baseball? He just wants to play baseball, and that’s the way he does it. … Continue reading Change Doesn’t Happen Until We Have Reason to Care
Not A Chromosome Too Many For Being His Best
Someone once said to me about Wil, “ but don’t you want him to be the best he can be?” This was in relation to a claim certain supplements could help take some of his Down syndrome features away. Of course, I want Wil to be the best he can be. But what I don’t … Continue reading Not A Chromosome Too Many For Being His Best
My Writing Summed Up in 7 Steps
If I were to sum up my writing surrounding Wil in 7 steps it would be: Wil wants and deserves to be treated as you’d treat anyone. As the individual he is. But, 47 chromosomes has an impact on Wil. To respect him for who he is, you cannot have an idealized view of what … Continue reading My Writing Summed Up in 7 Steps
Wild Cards & Wild Hairs
Picture day was today. Last night Wil took a shower in preparation, and spent extra time choosing a shampoo. I heard him talking to himself as he smelled each one. “Ewww! Too strong. Hmmm, this is old. Mmmm, smells good.” With his sisters gone to college, Wil can safely use what they’ve left behind without … Continue reading Wild Cards & Wild Hairs
Time to Share the Mic: Authenticating the Voice of Disability in Film
Should people without disabilties play parts in film of people with disabilties? There have been some impressive performances of such cases. But then I thought, if Wil were an actor, would he be hired to play any part but of the person with Down syndrome? That would be summed up in two letters: NO. And … Continue reading Time to Share the Mic: Authenticating the Voice of Disability in Film
Pinnacles
This blog isn’t about Wil, it’s about me in relation to Wil. And I guess all my blogs are really about that. Because I had no clue how to raise a child with Down syndrome. And I don’t think many of us do. There are parenting books, but how many of your typically-developing kids fit … Continue reading Pinnacles