Category: Families
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When college is the dream
When I say college, you might think about pulling all-nighters, studying on the quad, eating cold pizza for breakfast, football games, parties, or Greek life. For most people, you may not see a person with an intellectual disability in that vision. That’s probably because the reality is only 2% of people with intellectual disabilities (ID),…
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The power of choice: A focus on allyship on World Down Syndrome Day
On World Down Syndrome Day 2025, the powerful CoorDown campaign ‘No Decision Without Us,’ challenges us to reexamine what true allyship means—moving beyond awareness to ensuring people with Down syndrome have an equal voice in decisions that affect not only their lives but our communities as a whole.
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Spread the Word to End the Word: Why are we still having this conversation in 2025?
It’s March 5 and we mark another year of the Spread the Word campaign, I find myself asking a question that weighs heavily on my heart: why, after all this time, are we still having this conversation?
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How Do We Raise a Generation of Inclusive People?
Allowing space for siblings or individuals to share their stories brings greater awareness that can decrease bullying and discrimination, promoting kindness and respect among peers. This type of discussion helps students learn about diverse abilities and encourages teamwork and collaboration as they appreciate different strengths.
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Inclusion in Action: Key Takeaways from the MCIE Summer Institute
This summer, I had the privilege of joining 200 educators, thought leaders, service providers, and inclusion advocates at the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education 2024 Summer Institute. We spent two days learning, listening, sharing, and reenergizing each other about the future of inclusive education.
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The Impact of School Culture on Disability Inclusion
What differentiates a school where a student with Down syndrome is segregated from one that chooses a student with Down syndrome to address her peers? The answer lies in school culture. While I don’t have firsthand experience with either school, it’s evident that the disparity in experiences reflects differences in school culture regarding disability inclusion.
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The Transformative Power of College for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
On May 1, we celebrate Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) Day to raise awareness about postsecondary education options for students with intellectual disabilities. Inclusive postsecondary education—also called inclusive higher education—refers to college and university programs that enroll people with intellectual disabilities.
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Understanding the Journey of Siblings of Children with Disabilities
Navigating the unique dynamics of having a sibling with a disability is a journey marked by profound lessons and hidden challenges. As a sibling to a person with a disability myself and a parent to a child with a disability who has a sibling, I understand the complexities and nuances of this experience. While it…
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The Boy in the Back Pew
For years my son was the boy in the back pew. The one that only fruit chews and endless fidgets and activities would get him through one-fourth of the service. Sunday mornings were often mentally and emotionally exhausting. But the back pew is better than what church life (or lack there of) looks like for…
inclusion AMPLIFIED 