Penny Got a Job
Penny had her first day of work last week. That’s right. Work. Employment. Four hours, three days a week, at a local cafe and bakery. She made brownies and spicy…
Hollywood, via Barbie, Still Doesn’t Know What To Do With Disability
{Keep scrolling for an update to this post.} Our whole family went to see the new Barbie movie on Friday. We loved it. I laughed so hard Penny shushed me.…
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…
Some Thoughts on Down Syndrome and Cheerleading
One of my shining moments as a mother was forcing Penny to try out for cheerleading last year. I told her she didn’t have to participate if she made it,…
Disability and Respect: Look Her in the Eye
I’m so grateful for the technician at the eye doctor appointment who assumes that Penny can speak for herself. I’m also aware of how surprised I feel that this young…
S6 E3 | Down Syndrome and Belonging with Heather Avis
“You belong here, as you are, who you are. Come be in this place with us.” Down syndrome advocate and author Heather Avis joins Amy Julia Becker to talk about…
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Delta Air Lines and Disability
Peter recently flew home and noticed that Delta Air Line’s opening safety video included an image of a man with Down syndrome sitting in the plane. It was a little…
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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) and Mammograms
Is everything about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) these days? That’s the claim—or accusation—a lot of parents are making across the country when it comes to a newfound focus on…
Teaching Students About Inclusion and Belonging
Teaching students about inclusion and belonging gives them a more expansive view of humanity. Because of advances in special education, many kids today are growing up with more openness to…
