In a Perfect World…. Back to School would be Easy.

In a perfect world, going back to school would be a breeze. Here are some resources to keep on hand in case you need them this school year:

1.     10 Things Teachers Should Know about Down syndrome: http://www.gillianmarchenko.com/10-things-a-teacher-should-know-about-down-syndrome/.

2.     Join the Inclusive Education Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/131744783563993/.

3.     Join the IDEA and IEP tips Facebook page: IDEA and IEP Tips Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IDEATIPS/.

4.     Find your way through Indiana’s Special Education Rules by downloading, Navigating the Course at: http://www.doe.in.gov/sites/default/files/specialed/navigatingthecourse.pdf.

5.     Dive in deeper by taking online courses through INSOURCE. Visit their online course library at:  http://training.insource.org/.

6.     With over a thousand apps now available to help individuals with special needs it has become increasingly difficult to find and choose the right special needs app. The Friendship Circle App Review gives you the ability to find the perfect special needs app for your child. http://www.friendshipcircle.org/apps/

7.     Think college isn’t for your son or daughter? You may rethink that after learning about postsecondary education programs available at: http://www.thinkcollege.net//

8.     Down Syndrome Education USA works with parents and teachers to improve education for children with Down syndrome. http://www.dseusa.org/en-us/.

9.     IPAS staff includes disability rights advocates and attorneys who have the authority to pursue appropriate legal and administrative remedies on behalf of people with disabilities, to ensure the enforcement of their constitutional and statutory rights:  http://www.in.gov/ipas/2452.htm.

10.  10 Ways to help your Child with Special Needs Make a positive Start to the new year: http://www.chicagoparent.com/magazines/special-parent/summer-2014/school-days.

11.  Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities. http://www.wrightslaw.com/

Also, please remember that Down Syndrome Indiana offers resources for parents and educational professionals to better serve children with Down syndrome. We offer a variety of publications and trainings to assist educators. Check out our resource page at: http://www.dsindiana.org/Educators.php.

Sending you love and good luck this year!

 

Lisa Wells, Executive Director

Ten Things Every Baby with Down syndrome wishes you knew

Dear Mom or Dad,

1.     I am a person first. Down syndrome does not define who I am or what I can grow up to become.

2.    I am happy with my life. I like who I am and I like the way I look. I am proud of who I am. You are proud of me too. If you haven’t gotten there yet, don’t worry, you will.

3.     Dancing is most likely going to be a big part of our life now.

4.    It is okay for me to have other friends with Down syndrome. It is okay for me to have friends that don’t have a disability too. I need a healthy social life.

5.    I may take longer to learn some things but I will pretty much want a boyfriend or girlfriend around the same time as the other kids at my school.

6.    Speaking of school, I can go to college if I choose. Believe in me. Challenge me. Include me. Don’t give up on my education.

7.    I know you want to protect me from anything that can harm me but sometimes I need to learn lessons the hard way. It is a part of growing up. Help me learn my lessons in a safe environment. When I want to do something, Let me try. If I can’t do it, I will figure that out on my own.

8.    I really need you to be my advocate. This world is still not as accepting of me as I wish it were. I will need you to stand up for me until I am viewed as an equal.

9.    I am a productive member of society. I want to give back to the community and I am depending on you to help me realize my strengths and showcase them. I deserve every opportunity to be my best self.

10.  I know that you are dedicating everything you have to making the world a better place for me. I also need you to take care of yourself. I need you to be the best you can be and set a positive example for how to live my life when I am your age. Connect with other parents that have a child with Down syndrome. You are part of a very special and lucky group of people now…

Thank you for being my parent. This is really going to be great!

Love,

 

Your child