Our Daughter Doesn’t “Just Happen” to Have Down Syndrome
I used to describe Penny as a girl with light brown hair and big green eyes, who loved reading and dancing. And then I would write something along the lines…
The Significance of Our Social Worlds
I’m taking a class right now where I’m learning all sorts of things about transitioning from high school to college or the workforce and beyond. Recently, our instructor mentioned that…
Inclusion vs the Real World
I’ve had to learn not to sacrifice our daughter on the altar of my ideology. When Penny was a toddler, I read an article about a teenager with Down syndrome…
What Do I Think About the Barbie With Down Syndrome?
What do I think about the new Barbie with Down syndrome? I was a little skeptical at first. She isn’t wearing glasses, which most people with Down syndrome wear. Her…
What an Assessment of My Daughter’s Life Tells Me About Us
Every few years, Penny goes through a series of tests to determine the extent of her disability and, therefore, what services she is eligible to receive. I am tasked with…
Some People Are Awesome
We’ve encountered our fair share of subtle discrimination over the years. The people who talk to me as if Penny isn’t present. The professionals who have predicted her future in…
3 Things I’m (Still) Learning About Down Syndrome
Penny was on spring break last week. Our original hopes for a quick trip to Jamaica never materialized, but we did get to spend two nights with Penny’s friend Rachel…
Down Syndrome’s “Exclusive Club”
I remember a day 17 years ago when Peter and I had spent hours with Penny at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We were exhausted. But he needed to attend…
The Dignity of Risk
She might cut herself. She might burn herself. She might feel lonely, sad, scared, abandoned. I have read all about the dangers of helicopter parenting, and about the importance of…
Deficit-Based Language
The only way to receive special education services for kids is by focusing on their deficits. I received a DM from one of you the other day about this reality:…
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