Tag: disabilities
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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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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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Graduation Day: A New Chapter Begins
The anticipation of graduation day felt like forever and overnight all at once. The ceremony marked not just an ending, but a beautiful beginning filled with tears, laughter, and profound gratitude. Twenty-eight puppy raisers bid farewell to their furry friends entering team training, while 11 others reunited with our class’s dogs to celebrate their transition…
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Weekend tails: Rest, play, and deeper connections
Our weekend brought a change of pace with a half-day of training followed by some much-needed downtime. After an intense week of learning and growing together, this break gave everyone – recipients, families, dogs, trainers, and staff – a chance to catch their breath and deepen our connections.
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Paws and progress: Our first public outing
Today marked an exciting milestone in our training journey – our first field trip!! It’s one thing to practice commands in the training center, but seeing these incredible dogs navigate a real-world setting brings everything into sharper focus.
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Building bonds: Our first full day together
Today marked a significant milestone – our first full day with our service dog. The atmosphere was filled with a mix of excitement, nerves, and determination as each team began forging their new partnership.
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A doggone perfect match: Pre-match day
There’s something magical about pre-match day at Canine Companions. It’s a moment when years of anticipation culminates in meeting the dog who will become an integral part of your family’s story.
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A Journey in the Making: Day 1 at Canine Companions
Today marks the beginning of a journey we’ve been anticipating for three and a half years. As I sit here reflecting on our first day at Canine Companions, I’m struck by how quickly this experience has already exceeded our expectations.
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The Uptick in the Use of the ‘R-Word’: Steps Toward Inclusive Language
National disability advocacy organizations and public media outlets have been addressing the recent uptick in the use of the “R-word” in public dialogue.
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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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Embracing Inclusion: Highlighting the Role of Allies During Down Syndrome Awareness Month
I am reflecting on what I want people to know about Down syndrome and inclusion during Down Syndrome Awareness Month. I could go on, but today what weighs on my heart is this: What is our role as allies in the work of disability inclusion and to people with Down syndrome?
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Letting Go of Assumptions to Embrace All That’s Possible
Sometimes, the biggest shifts happen when we move beyond our assumptions and embrace what’s possible. By letting go of preconceived notions, we open ourselves to experiences we never imagined.
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Disability Pride Month: Celebrating Progress and Overcoming Challenges
Disability Pride Month, celebrated every July, shines a light on the remarkable contributions of the disabled community and commemorates the Americans with Disabilities Act, enacted on July 26, 1990. This legislation was a pivotal step towards combating discrimination across employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and access to government services.
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What’s In A Name?
The labels we assign to students, teachers, spaces, and resources for specialized instruction carry more weight than is acknowledged.
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Children Will Grow As Far As We Expect
The growth and development of a child are dependent on the people, influences, and opportunities that surround them. We know that the foundation for developmental advancement is laid in the first five years and that children grow and develop at a pace during these years unequal to any other time in their lives.
inclusion AMPLIFIED 