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 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…
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:…
Penny’s PATH
Each year, a team of friends, family, educators, and community members gathers to support and encourage Penny as we plan for her future. This annual meeting is called a PATH.…
The IEP Meeting Every Child With a Disability Deserves
Peter and I both cried at Penny’s annual meeting to discuss her IEP (Individualized Education Plan) goals. We cried because we were so overwhelmed with pride in her and gratitude…
Penny’s PATH Process: Planning for Life After High School
Once a year, a group of people from Penny’s school, family, and community gather together with her to talk about her hopes and dreams for the future through a process…
Learning Science as a Teen in High School With an Intellectual Disability
Should Penny take Chemistry next year, as a tenth grader with an intellectual disability? This is the question set before us as we began to plan with Penny and her…
