Penny in Her Own Words: Inclusion and High School Senior Project
What does inclusion look like for a senior with Down syndrome at our local public school? Here’s one example, in her own words, from an interview with Penny about her…
All Kids Can Learn
All kids can learn, but when Penny was born, I was told only that she would have developmental delays and an intellectual disability. What if I had been told instead…
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…
