As the mother of a son with Down syndrome, a sibling who grew up in this space, and an ally, inclusion has been central to our family’s journey. While my work focuses on helping organizations foster inclusive environments, I also feel a responsibility to share what I’ve learned with the families walking this path. This page offers practical tools, insights, and resources drawn from both my professional and personal experience. Have a resource to add? Contact me.
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Peer Engagement & Belonging
Below are some resources to help foster authentic engagement among peers with and without disabilities, including resources from the TIES Center and an article by Erick W. Carter, Ph.D., Jennifer Asmus, Ph.D., and Colleen K. Moss, B.S.
Inclusive Pathways
Inclusive Pathways is a community program in Westminster, Maryland for people ages 14–21 with and without disabilities. We bring together individuals from different abilities and walks of life to connect, collaborate, and support one another. Learn more by visiting the Inclusive Pathways web page and following on Instagram: @InclusivePathwaysIRL
Books
Books I have found helpful include:
Creating Our Own Lives: College Students with Intellectual Disability by Michael Gill
Demystifying Disability by Emily Ladau
Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary, Resilient, Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig (Read my review)
Supporting Positive Behavior in Children and Teens with Down Syndrome: The Respond But Don’t React Method by David Stein Psy.D., David Stein, David S. Stein
Under Pressure by Dr. Lisa Damour, PhD (Read my review)
UNSEEN by Molly Burke (Read my review)
Your Students, My Students, Our Students: Rethinking Equitable and Inclusive Classrooms by Nancy Frey, Douglas Fisher, Lee Ann Jung, et al.
Books for Youth
Born to Sparkle by Megan Bomgaars ad Pete Olczyk
Different A Great Thing to Be by Heather Avis
Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor
Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
We’ll Paint the Octopus Red by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Podcasts
IPSE Resources
Inclusive postsecondary education—also called inclusive higher education—refers to college and university programs that enroll people with intellectual disabilities.
What Families Are Saying
“I have been fortunate to have gotten to know Jill over the last several years, as our sons both have Down syndrome and play sports together. She is someone I can talk to and bounce ideas off of, as she’s knowledgeable and passionate about inclusion. She never fails to have good ideas and suggestions when I’m feeling frustrated or unsure of what to do or what resources are available. I greatly appreciate her guidance and all the hard work she puts into paving a better and more inclusive way for all kids with disabilities.”
-Jennifer Carson
Parent of a child with Down syndrome & social worker
Organizations
TASH advances equity, opportunity and inclusion for people with disabilities, with a focus on those with the most significant support needs, in the areas of education, employment and community living through advocacy, research and practice.
TIES Center works with states, districts, and schools to support the movement of students with disabilities from less inclusive to more inclusive environments.
Disclaimer: The recommendations provided on this page are based on my personal experience and insights. They reflect my own opinions and are not influenced by any form of compensation or sponsorship. I share these resources to help others based on what has worked for me and my family.
Disclosure: inclusion AMPLIFIED provides communication consulting services to MCIE (host of Think Inclusive and Inclusion Stories podcasts). All thoughts and opinions shared here are my own.