To nominate an individual that has made a long-standing contribution to the Down syndrome community, please send your nomination to lisa@dsindiana.org. Three winners will be chosen and announced at the DSI Holiday Party on December 1oth.
Why a Star?
Focus: Parents, siblings, educators, and other friends and family often describe individuals with Down syndrome as "stars" or the center of attention. The star logo recognizes that quality, and reminds us of our need to challenge ourselves and society to see all individuals with Down syndrome for their contributions to their community.
Achievement: A star has long been a symbol of achievement. The star logo reminds us of the importance of all "achievements" of individuals with Down syndrome.
Inspiration: As a group of people familiar with the history of Down syndrome, we recognize that we are still at the beginning of our journey to discover the full potential of individuals with Down syndrome. The star represents our collective reaching for a brighter future for all individuals with Down syndrome.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
A Noble Life
The following is a speech given by Self Advocate and Down Syndrome Indiana board member, Jessica Green during a recent school presentation. She brought the teachers to tears and was encouraged to give her speech to more educators and students. If you are interested in having Jessica or a self advocate speak at your school, please contact the DSI office and we can help arrange it for you!
Good morning everyone!!
As you know, my name is Jessica Green.
I chose to title my speech today a noble life………..
I was born here in Indianapolis 28 years ago.
I am the first child of my parents, Steve and Lana Green.
I have a younger sister, Casey, and a younger brother, Michael, and my dog named Sofie.
When I was born, my parents were not only new to being parents but certainly new to know how to support a child who had Down syndrome.
Little did they know that raising me and loving me would be a piece of cake!
They took me home and followed the advise of my pediatrician which was….to treat me like they would any new baby and enjoy every moment.
My parents brought me home and then got busy researching and learning as much as they could about Down syndrome and what would be best for me.
They met some wonderful people at Noble of Indiana who gave them encouragement and strength.
They started realizing what a happy and full life I could have.
Boy were they right!
I am glad they didn’t listen to the professionals that were telling them not to set their expectations too high….
They learned terms like inclusion and normalization.
Inclusion means that every person, regardless of their challenges should be offered the same opportunities as their peers.
My parents thought being in the real world would be the best way for me to learn and make new friends.
So from preschool on, I was in typical classrooms with other children my age.
I attended my neighborhood school with my brother and sister and neighborhood friends.
This was a very new idea back in the 1980’s so it took quite a few meetings and discussions before it happened.
It also took some work by my mom and some very good teachers to adapt and modify some things so that my classes would be meaningful to me.
This not only helped me but quite a few other children in the classroom.
There were times when it was pretty hard but as my grandma smith says…”you can’t give up……if you fall or stumble you just have to keep getting back up and try again….
All of the experiences that I have had—good and bad—have made me the person that I am today.
We all deserve the dignity of being allowed to try!!
Sometimes I succeed and sometimes I don’t—just like anyone else.
I had a very busy time during my school years, not only taking classes, but attending extracurricular activities like dancing and performing with the theatre of inclusion, volunteering for the Humane Society, and eventually working for Barnes & Noble, Eddie Bauer, and two different advertising agencies.
After I graduated, I was able to fulfill one of my dreams……..to go to college….
I attended Marian University here in Indianapolis, and it was great!!
I hung out on campus and went to dances and sporting events and oh!! yes!! I took classes too… ha ha ha…
I took dance, choir, stage production, volleyball and nutrition.
After college I started working for a company…..Advantage Medical in Carmel, Indiana. I was there for 8 years. They were recently bought by a larger company and my position was outsourced, so I had to look for a new job. I am now working at Petco in Carmel as a grooming assistant. I love dogs and really wanted to work with them, so I am very happy.
One of the things that I am most proud of is being a self advocate. I am on the board of Down Syndrome Indiana and also in the National Down Syndrome Congress. I am so proud of representing people who have Down syndrome. I love meeting families of younger children and giving them hope and encouragement for their child’s future. I encourage them to think out of the box and push the envelope.
You really don’t know what a person can do until you give them a chance to try!!
I have testified and spoken on behalf of the issues that individuals who have challenges face. I have done this here in Indianapolis and also in Washington D.C.
It is important that the people who are in charge of making the laws know firsthand what is important to us and that we feel we deserve the same rights and privileges as everyone else.
After all…..
I pay taxes, I pay rent, I vote and believe I deserve a voice like anyone else.
I even wrote the governor a few years ago to ask if crosswalk signs could be put up at the intersection where I live. I wanted to be able to safely walk across the street to my neighborhood stores and bank. I couldn’t believe that he read my letter and they were actually installed. I am proud of this because I know it not only helped me be more independent, but I know it helped other people as well.
In August 2010, I achieved another lifelong goal!! I moved into my first apartment!!
I am still learning what it means to be our on my own and making my own decisions. I am learning about making healthy and safe choices, about budget, cooking and everything that comes with living independently. I think this has been harder for my mom and dad than me.
I am really enjoying the freedom and the experience so far.
Well, I will close by reminding all of you that at the end of every rainbow there is a pot of gold. That is the message I would like to leave you with today.
Never give up!!
Teachers and administrators please allow all of your students to fulfill their dreams. Offer them a supportive and positive environment so that they will have an opportunity to reach their full potential.
Somewhere over the rainbow dreams can come true and everyone should be allowed to try to reach their pot of gold.
Thank you so much for having me here today. Go out and make it a wonderful day!!
Good morning everyone!!
As you know, my name is Jessica Green.
I chose to title my speech today a noble life………..
I was born here in Indianapolis 28 years ago.
I am the first child of my parents, Steve and Lana Green.
I have a younger sister, Casey, and a younger brother, Michael, and my dog named Sofie.
When I was born, my parents were not only new to being parents but certainly new to know how to support a child who had Down syndrome.
Little did they know that raising me and loving me would be a piece of cake!
They took me home and followed the advise of my pediatrician which was….to treat me like they would any new baby and enjoy every moment.
My parents brought me home and then got busy researching and learning as much as they could about Down syndrome and what would be best for me.
They met some wonderful people at Noble of Indiana who gave them encouragement and strength.
They started realizing what a happy and full life I could have.
Boy were they right!
I am glad they didn’t listen to the professionals that were telling them not to set their expectations too high….
They learned terms like inclusion and normalization.
Inclusion means that every person, regardless of their challenges should be offered the same opportunities as their peers.
My parents thought being in the real world would be the best way for me to learn and make new friends.
So from preschool on, I was in typical classrooms with other children my age.
I attended my neighborhood school with my brother and sister and neighborhood friends.
This was a very new idea back in the 1980’s so it took quite a few meetings and discussions before it happened.
It also took some work by my mom and some very good teachers to adapt and modify some things so that my classes would be meaningful to me.
This not only helped me but quite a few other children in the classroom.
There were times when it was pretty hard but as my grandma smith says…”you can’t give up……if you fall or stumble you just have to keep getting back up and try again….
All of the experiences that I have had—good and bad—have made me the person that I am today.
We all deserve the dignity of being allowed to try!!
Sometimes I succeed and sometimes I don’t—just like anyone else.
I had a very busy time during my school years, not only taking classes, but attending extracurricular activities like dancing and performing with the theatre of inclusion, volunteering for the Humane Society, and eventually working for Barnes & Noble, Eddie Bauer, and two different advertising agencies.
After I graduated, I was able to fulfill one of my dreams……..to go to college….
I attended Marian University here in Indianapolis, and it was great!!
I hung out on campus and went to dances and sporting events and oh!! yes!! I took classes too… ha ha ha…
I took dance, choir, stage production, volleyball and nutrition.
After college I started working for a company…..Advantage Medical in Carmel, Indiana. I was there for 8 years. They were recently bought by a larger company and my position was outsourced, so I had to look for a new job. I am now working at Petco in Carmel as a grooming assistant. I love dogs and really wanted to work with them, so I am very happy.
One of the things that I am most proud of is being a self advocate. I am on the board of Down Syndrome Indiana and also in the National Down Syndrome Congress. I am so proud of representing people who have Down syndrome. I love meeting families of younger children and giving them hope and encouragement for their child’s future. I encourage them to think out of the box and push the envelope.
You really don’t know what a person can do until you give them a chance to try!!
I have testified and spoken on behalf of the issues that individuals who have challenges face. I have done this here in Indianapolis and also in Washington D.C.
It is important that the people who are in charge of making the laws know firsthand what is important to us and that we feel we deserve the same rights and privileges as everyone else.
After all…..
I pay taxes, I pay rent, I vote and believe I deserve a voice like anyone else.
I even wrote the governor a few years ago to ask if crosswalk signs could be put up at the intersection where I live. I wanted to be able to safely walk across the street to my neighborhood stores and bank. I couldn’t believe that he read my letter and they were actually installed. I am proud of this because I know it not only helped me be more independent, but I know it helped other people as well.
In August 2010, I achieved another lifelong goal!! I moved into my first apartment!!
I am still learning what it means to be our on my own and making my own decisions. I am learning about making healthy and safe choices, about budget, cooking and everything that comes with living independently. I think this has been harder for my mom and dad than me.
I am really enjoying the freedom and the experience so far.
Well, I will close by reminding all of you that at the end of every rainbow there is a pot of gold. That is the message I would like to leave you with today.
Never give up!!
Teachers and administrators please allow all of your students to fulfill their dreams. Offer them a supportive and positive environment so that they will have an opportunity to reach their full potential.
Somewhere over the rainbow dreams can come true and everyone should be allowed to try to reach their pot of gold.
Thank you so much for having me here today. Go out and make it a wonderful day!!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Buddy Walk(R) - A day to celebrate
A Poem About Buddy Walk(R) by Guest Blogger Jessica Green
A DAY TO CELEBRATE
A TIME TO SHARE
FAMILIES AND FRIENDS
GATHER FROM HERE AND THERE
SUN THAT'S BRIGHT
HEARTS THAT ARE FULL
LOVE FROM PEOPLE THAT
SURROUND YOU.
A TIME OF GIVING
WHATEVER YOU CAN
STAND UP AND SPEAK OUT
AND SUPPORT DOWN SYNDROME
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF YOU CAN
HELP DSI AND ALL THEIR FRIENDS
COME TO WALK FOR A GOOD CAUSE
THEN YOU GET A BIG APPLAUSE!
-BY JESSICA GREEN
A DAY TO CELEBRATE
A TIME TO SHARE
FAMILIES AND FRIENDS
GATHER FROM HERE AND THERE
SUN THAT'S BRIGHT
HEARTS THAT ARE FULL
LOVE FROM PEOPLE THAT
SURROUND YOU.
A TIME OF GIVING
WHATEVER YOU CAN
STAND UP AND SPEAK OUT
AND SUPPORT DOWN SYNDROME
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF YOU CAN
HELP DSI AND ALL THEIR FRIENDS
COME TO WALK FOR A GOOD CAUSE
THEN YOU GET A BIG APPLAUSE!
-BY JESSICA GREEN
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Fly in/Drive In - Open House
Airplanes, skydiving, good food and family fun are all part of the Fifth Annual
Fly In/Drive In - Open House at Indianapolis Executive Airport.
Admission and parking are absolutely free. Prots from food or refreshments
will go toward helping Down Syndrome families throughout Indiana. Since
2007, Indy Exec and Montgomery Aviation have raised more than $45,000 for
Down Syndrome Indiana.
And this year there is something new. Rolls Royce has joined our team of
sponsors with a unique event display and an extremely generous contribution.
For every visitor to the Open House, Rolls Royce will donate one dollar to
Down Syndrome Indiana.
And that’s not all! Airport visitors will have the opportunity to see the only
Redbird FMX -ight simulator in public use in all of Indiana! Pilots and -ight
students -y all sorts of aircraft simulating all conditions without ever leaving
the ground. You will want to see this demonstration!
Saturday, August 6th 10AM - 2PM
Indianapolis Executive Airport
11329 East SR 32, Zionsville, IN 46077
3 miles east of US 421 / 6 miles west of US 31
Contacts:
Andi Montgomery
Indy Exec
317.769.4487
Claire Chappell
Rolls-Royce
317.230.5833
Lisa Tokarz-Gutierrez
Down Syndrome Indiana
317.313.9615
Fly In/Drive In - Open House at Indianapolis Executive Airport.
Admission and parking are absolutely free. Prots from food or refreshments
will go toward helping Down Syndrome families throughout Indiana. Since
2007, Indy Exec and Montgomery Aviation have raised more than $45,000 for
Down Syndrome Indiana.
And this year there is something new. Rolls Royce has joined our team of
sponsors with a unique event display and an extremely generous contribution.
For every visitor to the Open House, Rolls Royce will donate one dollar to
Down Syndrome Indiana.
And that’s not all! Airport visitors will have the opportunity to see the only
Redbird FMX -ight simulator in public use in all of Indiana! Pilots and -ight
students -y all sorts of aircraft simulating all conditions without ever leaving
the ground. You will want to see this demonstration!
Saturday, August 6th 10AM - 2PM
Indianapolis Executive Airport
11329 East SR 32, Zionsville, IN 46077
3 miles east of US 421 / 6 miles west of US 31
Contacts:
Andi Montgomery
Indy Exec
317.769.4487
Claire Chappell
Rolls-Royce
317.230.5833
Lisa Tokarz-Gutierrez
Down Syndrome Indiana
317.313.9615
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
College can be an Option!
New Website Encourages College as an Option for Children with an Intellectual Disability
The Indiana Postsecondary Education Coalition recently launched a website to inspire families of young children with an intellectual disability to consider college as an option available to their child when (s)he graduates high school. The website is www.thinkcollegeindiana.org. Now, families, educators and employers have a resource that emphasizes the value of a college life experience for ALL.
The goal of the coalition and the website is to begin to tear down the barriers that have excluded students with intellectual disabilities from the experiences of college. The coalition believes that individuals with an intellectual disability can and should have the opportunity to gain meaningful employment that includes a full-time career , a living wage and insurance benefits if they so choose. In fact, the Indiana Postsecondary Education Coalition envisions a world in which young adults with intellectual disabilities have the option of electing college as part of their planning as they transition from high school to the adult world. A college experience, which can include, academic, social and vocational components is really about providing opportunities to gain knowledge and skills that can change a life of dependence to one of independence and productive work!
“ Currently the only known college in Indiana that offers a program for individuals with a developmental disability is IUPUI and we are so grateful for the work that Pat Rogan is doing there! Now, we want more opportunities for students with an intellectual disability to experience college and the launch of this website is just one more step in creating the awareness needed for a more inclusive society for all.” Said Lisa Tokarz-Gutierrez, Executive Director of Down Syndrome Indiana, one of the organizations active in the coalition.
About the Postsecondary Education Coalition
The Indiana Postsecondary Education Coalition is a statewide effort of advocacy organizations including Down Syndrome Indiana (DSI), the ARC of Indiana, the Autism Society of Indiana (ASI), Goodwill, the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University, IUPUI, the National Down Syndrome Society, Passages, Inc., and of course parents, educators and self advocates promoting postsecondary education (college) options for students with a developmental disability.
It is important to note that this is a long-term process. It may take years to make this a widely accepted option but the good news is there is a team in place that is ready to stick with it for however long it may take. For more information on the Indiana Postsecondary Education Coalition, please visit www.thinkcollegeindiana.org.
The Indiana Postsecondary Education Coalition recently launched a website to inspire families of young children with an intellectual disability to consider college as an option available to their child when (s)he graduates high school. The website is www.thinkcollegeindiana.org. Now, families, educators and employers have a resource that emphasizes the value of a college life experience for ALL.
The goal of the coalition and the website is to begin to tear down the barriers that have excluded students with intellectual disabilities from the experiences of college. The coalition believes that individuals with an intellectual disability can and should have the opportunity to gain meaningful employment that includes a full-time career , a living wage and insurance benefits if they so choose. In fact, the Indiana Postsecondary Education Coalition envisions a world in which young adults with intellectual disabilities have the option of electing college as part of their planning as they transition from high school to the adult world. A college experience, which can include, academic, social and vocational components is really about providing opportunities to gain knowledge and skills that can change a life of dependence to one of independence and productive work!
“ Currently the only known college in Indiana that offers a program for individuals with a developmental disability is IUPUI and we are so grateful for the work that Pat Rogan is doing there! Now, we want more opportunities for students with an intellectual disability to experience college and the launch of this website is just one more step in creating the awareness needed for a more inclusive society for all.” Said Lisa Tokarz-Gutierrez, Executive Director of Down Syndrome Indiana, one of the organizations active in the coalition.
About the Postsecondary Education Coalition
The Indiana Postsecondary Education Coalition is a statewide effort of advocacy organizations including Down Syndrome Indiana (DSI), the ARC of Indiana, the Autism Society of Indiana (ASI), Goodwill, the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University, IUPUI, the National Down Syndrome Society, Passages, Inc., and of course parents, educators and self advocates promoting postsecondary education (college) options for students with a developmental disability.
It is important to note that this is a long-term process. It may take years to make this a widely accepted option but the good news is there is a team in place that is ready to stick with it for however long it may take. For more information on the Indiana Postsecondary Education Coalition, please visit www.thinkcollegeindiana.org.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Action Alert!
Action Alert The following laws, rules and civil rights are in place for our loved ones with a disability: the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a free a appropriate education (FAPE), a guarantee of an education in the least restrictive environment (LRE) and Individualized Education Programs (IEP), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the procedural safeguards it provides, such as, due process hearings. Did you know that if you accept a voucher for your child with Down syndrome to attend a nonpublic school, you could be giving up these rights? According to the Arc of Indiana, this bill, HB 1003 the School Scholarships Bill, was voted out of the Senate Education committee this week and will be eligible for amendments and a vote during the week of April 18th in the Indiana Senate. Well, that sounds harmless, a bill that encourages scholarships to low income students to pay the cost of tuition, right? WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! The Down Syndrome Indiana Public Policy Committee encourages families to oppose this bill altogether. And here is why… Reasons to Oppose HB 1003 – the School Scholarships Bill If you have a child with a disability and you accept a voucher… 1. An IEP (Individualized Education Program) is no longer guaranteed; 2. You just opted out of procedural protections; 3. Due process – gone; it’s no longer guaranteed; 4. Mediation – nope, not anymore; it’s no longer guaranteed; 5. In fact, the safeguards provided under IDEA altogether are no longer guaranteed; 6. No guarantee of a Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE) either; 7. No guarantee of transportation any longer; 8. If this passes as is, schools that accept vouchers won’t even need to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If schools receive public funding then they should have to comply with civil rights laws. Please contact your local legislators right away and let them know how you feel! You can write to your legislator at: (Insert their name here) State House 200 West Washington Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 If you don’t know who your legislator is, you can find them through this website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/legislators/.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Public Mass Transit
Contact your state legislator and ask them to restore funding for the Public Mass Transit Fund in Indiana’s state budget. Access to safe and affordable public transportation is an essential service for maximizing independent living opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome. Down Syndrome Indiana believes that public transportation options must increase throughout the state. A great disparity exists between urban populations and less populated suburban and rural populations. This disparity results in limiting social, recreational, educational and employment opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome in geographic areas where public transportation is limited or unavailable. This may also have the affect of forcing individuals with Down syndrome to choose housing and employment options in areas where public transportation is available, but not where they would otherwise choose to live or work. Further, limited public transportation may result in individuals with Down syndrome forgoing wellness programming and needed medical services. You can write to your legislator at: (Insert their name here) State House 200 West Washington Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 If you don’t know who your legislator is, you can find them through this website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/legislators/.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)