237 Books About Down Syndrome You Should Definitely Add to Your Library

A common question among parents in the Down syndrome community is, “What are some books including kids with Down syndrome?” Regardless of what online support group you’re in, there’s always a post naming off several books that promote inclusion and the disability community but those lists never quite capture the vast collection that actually exists. Nelly Pujalt, mother to two year old Ariel, took several days and put together an entire document containing the name of every book she could find. It’s “a collection of books relating to Down syndrome for children, parents and professionals for a variety of subjects such as behavior, sexuality, dating, education, memoirs, resources and children’s books.” We’ve posted the entire list here for your reference. - Lindsay Robertson

Advocacy and Awareness, Inclusion, EducationNelly PujaltJuly 6, 2020Awareness, educationComment

Call to Action: Tell Your Congressmen No IDEA Waivers During COVID-19 Pandemic

More than 54 million American school children are learning at home right now. Seven million of those students have disabilities. Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus in March, 45 states have ordered schools closed, and 15 states are keeping schools closed until the end of the school year. That list will surely grow as the virus peaks (find an updated list here).

EducationCourtney HansenApril 20, 2020education, IDEA, Special Education, IEPComment

The Top 5 Down Syndrome Myths Debunked

Down syndrome definitely has a certain stigma. There are lots of misconceptions surrounding it. Countless myths. That's why so many people are so scared of it. In that spirit, I want to go through the top five myths about Down syndrome and correct them. You likely won't find these answers on Google or in textbooks or at doctors' offices. But I spend 99% of my life with an adorable little girl with Down syndrome, and this is the reality.

Advocacy and AwarenessAnn PoirierApril 13, 2020Down Syndrome, facts, educationComment

Students with Intellectual Disabilities Can Use Federal Funds for College Opportunities

With more than 260 College Programs available for students with Intellectual Disabilities (ID), it’s no longer a question of whether the new generation of students with ID can go to college but how to pay for it…..College programs are expensive. Tuition is often as much or more than tuition for typical college students. This coupled with the fact that most families of children with ID have no savings for their adult child really creates a real barrier to these new college opportunities.

Education, InclusionCourtney HansenDecember 2, 2019education, InclusionComment

Recognizing Trauma In Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities

From talking to a wide number of parents, care-givers, family members, healthcare professionals and the like, recognizing trauma in individuals who are intellectually delayed, or those who may be nonverbal, is a big concern; “What if something happens and we can’t tell?,” “What if they can’t express what’s going on and it continues?” The list of questions and concerns over this one topic are endless and I’ll admit, I’ve thought about it myself. As a mother of a daughter who has Down syndrome, the very last thing I want to think about is the possibility of some kind of abuse occurring and my daughter unable to tell me about it.

So what can we do? We educate ourselves on the signs and symptoms of abuse and the steps we take if it does occur.

Advocacy and Awareness, EducationLindsay RobertsonJuly 22, 2019Abuse, discrimination, Down Syndrome, educationComment

Ninth Circuit Court Rules Student with Down syndrome Can Be Moved to Life Skills Class at New School

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled an Arizona school district can move an elementary student with Down syndrome to a public school outside his neighborhood. The student would receive an additional 20 minutes of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) in an “academic SCILLS classroom” at this new school.

Education, Inclusion, DiscriminationCourtney HansenJune 24, 2019down syndrome, education, supreme court, InclusionComment