Student with Down syndrome inducted into National Honor Society

Well Done Sarah, Well Done. ______________________________________ Rising to the occasion again: Student with Down syndrome inducted into National Honor Society at Blue Valley North By GRACE HOBSON The Kansas City Star Sarah Sherman is no more special than any of the 141 other students inducted Thursday night into Blue Valley North High School’s chapter of the National Honor Society. Her 3.75 grade-point average is high, yes, but they all have at least the required 3.5. Every one of the students worked hard to pull the grades while participating in school activities and logging at least 40 hours of community service. She is, however, the only one who has Down syndrome. As she was called to walk across the Blue Valley North stage at Thursday night’s ceremony, her achievement was not singled out. Her name carried no extra weight on the program. She blended in. She belonged. “That’s the part of it that’s the greatest achievement,” said Nancy Pence, the faculty co-sponsor of the National Honor Society. “That she’s a part of this group.” The society’s national headquarters doesn’t keep statistics on how many students with Down syndrome have been inducted into the elite honor society. But Sarah’s achievement is unusual enough that she is the first in Pence’s seven years as a sponsor, and the only inductee with Down syndrome that Carter Burns has known in more than 30 years of being a principal. Unusual but not surprising to Sarah’s teachers. Or her parents. They’ve watched their little girl surpass expectations all her life. She’s so social, she runs into friends wherever she goes. So good at memorizing facts, she’s a “Jeopardy” whiz. She’s been in three school musicals. She taught herself sign language. “People would look at us like, ‘She can’t be doing that,’ ” said her mother, Pam Sherman. “She can. She did.” Sarah never considers what she can’t do. She just knows what she can do. “I learned from experience hard work does pay off,” Sarah said. “I feel if I persevere, the work will get done, and hard work does pay off.” The 17-year-old junior has had to work hard for everything she has accomplished, starting as a baby with the basics, like sitting up. Her mother spent hours on occupational, physical and speech therapies to help her reach developmental milestones. Early on, her parents learned they were lucky. Sarah didn’t have many of the health problems that thwart progress for many children with Down syndrome, a series of birth defects caused by an extra chromosome. Babies with Down syndrome are born with cognitive impairment, low muscle tone and other health problems. Jim Sherman remembers when they had to feed baby Sarah hourly because two holes in her heart left her too weak to drink much from a bottle. One night when he got up to take his turn, he peeked into her bassinet and found her babbling and playing with her feet in her face. “I thought, ‘This is all right,’ ” Jim said. Two weeks later, the cardiologist said the holes had healed themselves. “From that point on, it’s been good,” Jim said. Sarah proved to be a bright and eager learner. She knew her alphabet at 3; when she was in kindergarten, a teacher didn’t buy that Sarah could know her letters. She struggled to learn to read, but when she was 7 or 8, her parents noticed a new fluency. They discovered why: Sarah had learned to turn on subtitles on her favorite musicals, including “The Sound of Music,” and used them to help her read. For years Jim has made index cards to teach his daughter, a visual learner. In grade school, Sarah would put the cards in a circle and sit in the middle, making up sentences with the words from the cards, Pam said. “Hard work does pay off,” said Sarah Sherman, who was inducted into the National Honor Society on Thursday night. After the ceremony, the Blue Valley North junior thanked her aunt Deb McAnulty for attending. “We have thousands of index cards,” Pam said. “We have boxes and boxes.” In addition to history and anatomy, Sarah takes general education reading and acting. She works with special education teachers for math, has a peer tutor during a study skills class and is a peer tutor for a senior with Down syndrome. A paraprofessional or teacher accompanies her to anatomy and history to help take notes because Sarah’s fingers can’t always keep up. She takes her tests apart from other students to give her more time because she processes information more slowly. On multiple-choice tests, the answers are pared because her brain has a hard time sorting; she’s better at simply supplying the answer. She aces her coursework. “We really push the envelope on Sarah, and she always rises to the occasion,” said Dana Steinwart, one of Sarah’s special education teachers. Sarah works hard to make it happen. She does some homework after school, but weekends, when she’s fresher, are devoted to studying. During breaks, she hangs out on Facebook or finds other diversions. “She likes to sing and dance, so we hear a lot of that when she’s supposed to be studying,” Pam said with a laugh. Sarah set a goal of being inducted into the National Honor Society, just as her big sister was. She had the grades. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels, at her grandparents’ church and at a nursing home doing sign language with a resident who is hearing-impaired, and she kept track of her hours until she hit the magic 40. She got the requisite teacher recommendations. “I didn’t even know if I was going to get in,” Sarah said. “I’m really excited about that.” But her parents say it never occurred to her she wouldn’t make it. Why wouldn’t she? “She doesn’t doubt for one minute that she can do what she tells you she wants to do,” Pam said. “There isn’t anything in her head that says, “Ooooo, don’t try that. You might fail.’ She doesn’t doubt for one second.” After accepting her honor society sash Thursday night, Sarah got an onstage hug from chapter co-president Drew Gaddie, her good friend. “I try hard not to cry when those things happen,” Sarah’s mother said after the ceremony. “I had to try not to cry, too,” Sarah said. Upon spotting fellow inductee Elizabeth Campbell, Sarah bounded over with an embrace. “Congratulations!” said Elizabeth, a junior. “We did it!” Sarah responded. Sarah wants to be a nurse, and her parents think she can probably work in the medical field, maybe as a sign language interpreter. They don’t know whether Sarah will want to go away to college or perhaps start with some online college courses. Just as they did with Sarah’s sister, Jenny, they will support her as she chases her future. “We want her to pursue her dreams, just like we want Jenny to,” Pam said. “We want her to be healthy and happy. “The rest is easy after that.” To reach Grace Hobson, call 816-234-7715 or send e-mail to ghobson@kcstar.com.

Patrick Thibideau just happens to have Down syndrome, and scores!

Nash saw Patrick on the Today Show this morning. It was quite fun watching Nash watch Patrick, another boy with Down syndrome who loves to play basketball. Nash yelled DOWN SYNDROME ROCKS! Its so nice to have mentors for Nash to watch shoot and score, just like he does in the 2nd grade, just like anyone else. Except not all kids can hit three pointers! Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy Rock On Patrick! Student With Down Syndrome Scores For Greely High CUMBERLAND (NEWS CENTER) -- Like many of us, Patrick Thibideau has dreamed of being a star athlete. On Tuesday night, Patrick, who has Down Syndrome, saw his dream come true when he went from team manager to starting player. Patrick made sure his opportunity counted, scoring a 3-pointer with just his second shot. Then, with one minute left in the game, fans stood and chanted Patrick's name. The coach put him back in the game and he delivered -- sinking another three-pointer at the buzzer. Patrick's teammates swarmed around him, and carried him off the court. The night was extra special for the Thibideau family. Just two weeks ago, Patrick's father Perry, an assistant coach for the team, suffered a stroke. He almost didn't make the game, but when Perry's doctors heard the situation, they let him out of the hospital just in time to see his son play. Perry said seeing his son score was thrilling. "It was kind of surprising to me, I couldn't see who had the ball cause I was sitting way down here," says Perry. "But when I saw the ball go up and every one stand up, I said, yeah, I knew that was Patrick. Especially when it went in, that was fantastic! Best feeling you could ever have in your life... become a parent and you find out why." Patrick's performance was thrilling to the whole Greely High School boys' team. Sam Thompson offered up his starting spot to let Patrick play. "He comes to practice every day. He comes to every game. He works really hard. He just deserves it," said Thompson. ------------------------------------ I also noted one of the comments at the bottom of the story...hmmmm too true! nice story...but was he allowed to try out for the team like every one else in the first place? sounds like he may have had some potential...treating someone differently because they have a "disability" can be a two edged sword.

So you wanna see some Hoosier basketball?

Nash is playing on our local Upward Bound basketball league this year. It's a little bit less competitive than the Girls and Boys Club basketball he played with last year in first grade, and also is Christian based. It just seemed like a better fit for him this year, and he is playing on a team for first and second graders. With only three practices, and right off Christmas vacation, they had their first game on Saturday. I have a video of them calling the players in, announcing their names before the game, which I will post later. But, drum roll........Nash got at least two baskets, some say three but I didn't see the third, and got the BEST OFFENSE star award for the team. Oh. My. God. The boys on the team are so awesome. I didn't pass anything out about Down syndrome to the team, as well, now I understand why not many "older" kids parents are on the internet boards lately. It's just getting to be not such a big deal, and no time! Coach Derek is the best! BigDawg talked to Coach before the practices started and told him that while Nash does have Down syndrome, he understands, can learn the game, and play, and just needs to be shown how it is done, not just told. So ready to see one of Nash's baskets? Its a little blurry as we haven't figured out how to upload from our video camera yet, but Nash is the player in white shorts passing the ball in-bounds runs down the court, runs back, then gets the ball via rebound pass and dribbles down to the basket and SCORES! You might hear me say "I'm trying" because BigDawg yelled Go Nash! and Nash yells back "I'm trying"! as he is dribbling....oh so funny our guy. how many ref's high five the players? Awesome! Best Offense Award

Noblesville principal awarded DSI STAR award

Nash's principal, Mr. Bob Harvey, was awarded the DSI STAR award and there is a write up in our paper. Its a great award to promote those in your community that promote inclusion! Oh, I got one too. hee ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Noblesville principal awarded DSI STAR Submitted by Lisa Tokarz-Gutierrez Posted: May 29, 2008 Bob Harvey and Lisa Tokarz-Gutierrez Noblesville's White River Elementary principal Bob Harvey was recognized by Down Syndrome Indiana (DSI) at the DSI (formerly the Indiana Down Syndrome Foundation) annual meeting May 7th. Harvey received a 2008 STAR award, which honors individuals, corporations, or groups whose long term achievements and/or contributions further the Down Syndrome Indiana mission. DSI is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and holds as it's stated mission " to serve as a conduit of information, support and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, to promote growth and inclusion in the community." Harvey is a shining example of a principal who works with parents, teachers, and support staff - all in the best interest of the child- in order to achieve a successful, inclusive educational environment, according to the DSI award nomination. His motto is "Every Child, Every Day --Challenge and Success! " Other recipients of the 2008 DSI STAR award include Dr. John Brown, Dr. Mark Turrentine ,Cynthia Cobb, Beth DeHoff, Bob Gatto & the Texas Roadhouse, The Ray Glowner Family, Mark Hublar, Jan Steck Huffman, Robbin Lyons, Midwest Orthotics, Dr. Kathleen Stanton-Nichols, and Dr. Brian Skotko. For more information about Down syndrome or DSI events go to www.indianadsf.org Lisa Tokarz-Gutierrez, Executive director of Down Syndrome Indiana. Contact Tokarz-Gutierrez at (317) 925-7617.

Update on First grade spelling

Well, we have gone from Week One of our spelling test to week two to now.......drum roll.........week seven ......... and although it's not 100%, he typed it, and it sure makes sense to me!

more news on B-Rad

More on Brad Henfefer, aka B-Rad! Amazing Man Gets TV Gig Brad Hennefer, 19, of Cherry Hill, has many mementos that document his basketball and golf abilities. Thursday, January 31, 2008 By CELESTE E. WHITTAKER Courier-Post Staff CHERRY HILL The Hennefer family gathered in their cozy "golf" room Wednesday evening, downstairs in their Cherry Hill home. In one corner are prominently displayed newspaper clippings, a jersey encased in glass, trophies, medals and other items belonging to their son Brad. They could not have imagined 19 years ago when Brad was born that today he would be a four-year member of the golf and basketball programs at Cherry Hill High School East, and a media darling to boot. Brad, who was born with Down syndrome, and his parents, Nancy and Bob, and older brother Bobby are scheduled to appear on an upcoming segment of Good Morning America in New York, possibly as soon as Friday morning. He is an example of a young man who has not let a disability get in his way of accomplishing great things. "From a very young age, we made the decision that we were going to provide him with whatever opportunity that we could and assume that he could do things," said Nancy Hennefer, whose son started kindergarten in a regular class in the Cherry Hill school district. "We never went into anything with the attitude that he couldn't do it. We wanted to expose him to things and see what he could do. "This is the thing: You have to let them try it. You have to give them the opportunity. Once you open up that door, he will walk through it. Cherry Hill East opened up that door for him." Brad can't wait for his TV appearance. "It's going to be great," said Brad, who had 15 points on five 3-pointers in a scrimmage against Rancocas Valley earlier this season and has made baskets in regular season games as well, including his team's final points in Tuesday's game against Washington Township and a 3-pointer against state powerhouse St. Patrick's. "My basketball team was great, my teammates, and coach (John) Valore, he's a good coach. He taught me well." Bob Hennefer couldn't be more proud of his son, and also gives praise to the Cherry Hill East principal, teachers and coaches, namely Valore. "John Valore has been remarkable, the way he teaches," Hennefer said. "We attribute everything to his teammates, his school staff, coaching staff. They've just been phenomenal. Thinking outside the box to create an opportunity for Brad. His teammates, they all treat him like he's family. It's just inspiring. "We didn't think a lot of stuff was going to happen, but it's just about creating opportunities. Brad does well. He's a visual learner. He learns a lot from his teammates and he just keeps going. It's a tribute to the school and his teammates, what he's doing. His teammates also have learned a lot from Brad. They see it's a lot of hard work. We learn about stuff every day from Brad." The family even started a foundation in Brad's name -- The Brad Hennefer Golf for Life Foundation. The brochure says while many "junior" golf programs end at age 18, "we are committed to providing a lifetime of golf opportunities for individuals of all ages with Down syndrome." Brad's older brother Bobby came downstairs to chat about his brother on Wednesday evening. Bobby played collegiate golf at Franklin & Marshall and recently earned his PGA Tour card. Not only did he let his little brother tag along with him at the golf course, but he's been his Special Olympics partner as well. "I played sports all my life," Bobby Hennefer, 23, said. "Golf was one of the things I liked to do most. At a young age, I took him out to the golf course. He mirrored my swing, got to know it. I helped him out and he ended up being pretty good. We had a lot of fun. I'm extremely proud. This is awesome." Said Brad Hennefer about making his national television debut: "I feel like I won't be nervous, but I'll be happy." Reach Celeste E. Whittaker at cwhittaker@courierpostonline.com

The Shot of a Life Time

Go B'Rad! The Shot of a Life Time Source: http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/sports&id=5901234 WPVI Philadelphia, PAHOME The shot of a lifetime Tuesday, January 29, 2008 | 12:20 AM An Action News Special Report By Jamie Apody CHERRY HILL, N.J. -- A remarkable young athlete has developed a big following. At first glance, it was just your run of the mill three-pointer in a high school hoops game. "He comes down with three seconds to go and makes the final shot. It was an amazing shot," said his dad, Bob Hennefer. And then you notice, the coach on the opposing team came over to shake the Brad Hennefer's hand. "It was unbelievable. He got a standing ovation," said John Valore, Cherry Hill East coach. This shot was different. This shot was Brad Hennefer's first-ever Varsity basket. This shot was something that was never supposed to be in the cards. "I'm a very good shooter, good behind the black lines," said Brad. Life has been tough from the beginning for Brad. Born with Down Syndrome, nothing comes easy or guaranteed. "We had no idea about Down Syndrome. We had mixed emotions," said his dad. What he did, since the tender age of three, was turn to sports. Now a senior at Cherry Hill East, he has played four years of high school basketball. "Being part of a team is always a kids dream. It has been great for him," said Bob Hennefer. "His reaction to the excitement of it all just adds a catalyst to the rest of the players and makes them go harder, work harder," said Valore. "All the kids in basketball, they look at me and are proud of me," said Brad. Basketball is not even Brad's best sport. He is thought to be the only kid with Down Syndrome in the country to earn a varsity letter in two sports -- basketball and golf. Brad is set to graduate this year. He has big plans. "After high school, I'll go to Camden County College work on business and computers," said Brad. And wherever life takes him, he'll always have that shot. It's proof that sometimes the biggest triumphs come in the smallest of victories. His teammates call him B-Rad. The Hennefer family has started a foundation, Golf for Life, in which they travel the country and put on golf clinics for kids with Down Syndrome. For more information on the foundation, visit www.golfforlife.org. (Copyright ©2008 WPVI-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

First grade Spelling Word Test Week 2

ok I won't do this every week, but gosh darn it, Its my blog and I'll brag if I want to..brag if I want to........

Nash's First Spelling Test

100% He is so very proud, as are we!

Karen Gaffney on the Today show

We missed it on TV but here is the clip. I just love her! Also, here is the link to her Foundation

Another Couple with Down syndrome to Wed- Get it Down 31 for 21: Post 11

Bernadette and Josh to Wed Thursday, 10/11/07 Couple with Down syndrome prepare to wed They expect their love to transcend limitations By CLAUDIA PINTO Staff Writer Doctors referred to Gwenn Resha's baby as a "mongoloid idiot" and advised her to put the infant in a nursery and have another one real quick. "They said nursery, but they were meaning institution," Resha said. "Back then, there was no expectation that people with Down syndrome would do anything but sit and vegetate." Resha's daughter, Bernadette, has helped to debunk that once-widespread belief. The 28-year-old has graduated from high school, acted as a paid spokeswoman for Easter Seals and Special Olympics, appeared in the movie Gummo and become an accomplished artist whose paintings sell for hundreds of dollars. On Nov. 11, she will do something else that experts a generation ago would not have thought possible: she is getting married to a man who also has Down syndrome. Advocates say marriage is rare between two people with Down syndrome but becoming more common because of longer life spans made possible by medical advancements. Newer laws ensure their right to education and employment, which have made independence possible. No one tracks the number of such marriages across the country. "I don't know of any other couple with Down syndrome who have been married in Tennessee," said Sheila Moore, executive director of the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee. "This is very exciting for Bernadette and Josh. It's also very exciting for the Down syndrome community. It's gives us hope and excitement that individuals with Down syndrome are having more opportunities and living more normal lives than ever before." Bernadette Resha of Nashville and her fiancé, Josh Putman, of Mt. Juliet, seem unconcerned about being pioneers. They just want to be together. "I like Bernadette. I love her like a wife," said Putman, 25. "Every time I met her, her is a good person, a good athlete. And her is a good artist." Bernadette Resha responded to the kind words with a shy giggle and tenderly touched Putman's arm. "He is my very close friend, boyfriend," she said. "I like for him to support me and be a good husband." They had opportunities Advocates say that Bernadette Resha and Putman are part of the first generation of children with Down syndrome who have had opportunities to be educated and employed. Instead of living out their lives in an institution, they have been included in public schools. Their individualized education plans typically include employment training and instruction on how to live independently. "Prior to 1975, it was not mandated for children with Down syndrome to be educated," said Madeleine Will, vice president of public policy for the National Down Syndrome Association. "It's believed there were 1 million children with Down syndrome and other disabilities who weren't being educated." In the early 1990s, the Americans with Disabilities Act required that accommodations be made in the workplace when possible, and prohibited discrimination. As a result, "adults with Down syndrome are achieving more than ever before," Moore said. "They are graduating from high school. They are employed in our community." In addition, medical advances have dramatically increased the life expectancy of people with Down syndrome. Will said that in the 1980s, whites with Down syndrome typically didn't live to the age of 25. That compares with an average lifespan of 55 today. Down syndrome, caused by a chromosomal abnormality, comes with a host of medical conditions, including heart and digestive problems. "Now almost all of these things can be corrected," Moore said. While progress has been made, advocates say there are still many obstacles that people with Down syndrome face in getting married. Will said the primary problem is that people with Down syndrome who choose to get married will receive one-quarter less in Supplemental Security Income, a federal program that gives money to people with disabilities who have little or no income. "Sometimes they just move in together and don't get married because they can't afford it otherwise," Moore said. Putman and Bernadette Resha will receive $300 less each month in federal benefits. That means their parents will have to provide them with additional financial support. In addition to Bernadette Resha's income as an artist, Putman works part time bagging groceries at a Publix grocery store. It doesn't seem right to Bernadette's father, Louis Resha. "If you have a disability, you shouldn't be penalized for getting married," he said. Independence possible Putman was unaware of the symbolism, but he chose to propose to Bernadette on July 4: Independence Day. Once the two are married, they will move from their parents' homes and live independently for the first time in their lives in a Nashville apartment. Putman fondly remembers the day he asked Bernadette to marry him. It was in her parents' kitchen in the middle of a party. "I got my knee down. I said, 'I love you a lot.' I said, 'Bernadette, will you marry me?' " Putman recalled. "Bernadette said yes. Then Bernadette started crying. Then Bernadette's dad, Louis, started crying. That was a big happy moment." Putman and Bernadette Resha have been lifelong friends. They met at St. Bernard's preschool when Bernadette Resha was 5 and Putman was 2. But it wasn't until 1995, when Putman accompanied the family to the Special Olympics' World Gamesin Connecticut, that they "somehow saw each other in a different way," Gwenn Resha said. "I think their love for each other probably is more sincere than other people because their friendship just kept getting stronger and stronger," she said. They like to go out to eat, go to the movies, walk in the mall, spend time together — many of the same things other couples like to do. Like other couples, they are looking forward to getting married and spending their lives together. However, they aren't interested in having children. "No kids," Bernadette Resha said. "It's real hard to care (for) children. It's a big task." The two realize it will be hard enough to take care of each other. They are confident they can do it, though. They know how to clean the house, wash clothes, and do minor cooking. Their parents will regularly check in on them. "Our responsibility is, grow up. Be a young man and young lady," Putman said. "We together. It's nice together. Sometimes it's good and bad. We work it out." to view the video go HERE

Well oh golly, guess who played quarterback at football practice?

Yeppers. Our Nashman. The center handed him the ball, he drew back and threw that sucker about 10 feet right into the hands of his bud Ben. Ben then ran the ball in for a touchdown! Too. Cool. Guess he is going to play quarterback Saturday during the game. Be there 10am at James Dillon Park (located behind the Kroger store) at 146th Street and Hazel Dell. He's the one in the red number three and the big ol' smile.

Brotherly Love

Source: Jul 10, 2007 Brotherly Love By Meredith Cummings Pulse Editor When Kayla Terry was about 4 years old, her mother, Teri, showed her a video. The video explained, in very simple terms, what it means to have Down syndrome, like her older brother, Ian. Her mother asked, "Now do you see how Ian is like the children in that video?" Kayla answered, "They both have bad haircuts?" Thus began Kayla's funny, heartwarming lifelong journey with Ian, who is almost exactly one year older than her. Kayla has put those experiences into a book, "An Every Day Inspiration: The Authorized Biography of Ian Terry," a project that started as an English class assignment at Tuscaloosa Academy. It has made the rounds in Tuscaloosa , and has even gotten into the hands of former University of Alabama head football coach Gene Stallings and country music superstar LeeAnn Rimes. "I thoroughly enjoyed the book and looking at all the pictures," Stallings said. "It was a wonderful book." The succe ss has taken Kayla by surprise. "At first, it started out as a grade," Kayla said. "Something I had to do. My mom really encouraged me to become more involved with it," she said. "I wanted it to be important to Ian, but I didn't realize that it would inspire other people." The book has served as inspiration for other parents of children with Down syndrome. Siblings of special needs people are often special and unique themselves. Kayla was one of the first students without special needs to enroll in RISE School to experiment the concept of "reverse mainstreaming," in hopes that she would blossom into a thriving child with leadership qualities and high character. Her mother said Kayla's experience with RISE has proved that theory to be correct. From sharing birthdays together to Halloween, the book details the adventures, ups and downs of the Terry family, which also includes another, younger brother, Stuart, and father, Johnny. "I feel like I put a lot of effort into it," Kayla said. "When it started going around and people started giving me compliments on it, then I was like, 'Hey I did a pretty good job.'" Photos in the book include the siblings dressed as Batman, Bat Girl and Robin for Halloween to, a picture of Ian dressed like Elvis Presley and a picture of Ian interviewing Stallings at a RISE golf tournament this year. "And what an outstanding job he did when he interviewed me at the golf tournament," Stallings said. Kayla's mother said that growing up, Kayla took a "willing backseat role" to Ian, not because she and her husband wanted it that way, but because she chose to put herself in the caretaker role. "The story of Ian's life so far is a tribute not only to his family and friends, but the community as well," Teri Terry said. "Living in Tuscaloosa has certainly opened doors and been beneficial to him. He has been lucky to have been accepted and supported by so many. I do not think any other community embraces the special needs community like Tuscaloosa ." Stallings agreed. "In some places, I'm sure, that's not always the case," he said. "I'm extremely proud of what Teri and her family have been able to do. The RISE program is a beautiful facility for the youngsters in Tuscaloosa. If you have a child with special needs, Tuscaloosa is a great place to be." Teri Terry said that anyone with a child with Down syndrome could look to Kayla's story as inspiration to have more children. "I forget he has special needs," Kayla said. "There were situations when he got a little bit older with bullies and stuff. But kids don't know how to act around people who are different. I took on a big sister role and he took on the little brother role instead of the other way around." Kayla's book says it best: "Alone, Ian may have been hesitant to explore or try new things, but with his sister at his side, he could do an ything." Kayla said that those early years, the two were joined at the hip, and were, and still are, best friends. "Before Stuart was born, we went everywhere together," Kayla said. "I can't go that long without hanging out with him because I miss him a lot." Ian has gotten the writing bug from his older sister, and said he now wants to write a book of his own. "He thinks he is such a star," Kayla said smiling. Jessica Robertson, Kayla's English teacher, said she enjoyed the book. The assignment, she said, was for the students to choose someone they admire to write about. Robertson said she read the book before she ever met Ian. "I enjoyed meeting him and I felt like I knew him," Robertson said. "The book was not only about him, but about their family and the struggle with having a special child. It seems like they have been so supportive." Kayla was on the staff of the TA student newspaper, Knightwriter, as well as the yearbook, Excalibur. The book, she said, took her the entire school year to complete. In the fall, Ian will attend Crossing Point at the University of Alabama, a program that teaches job and life skills. So while the siblings will see each other, it won't be quite the same. "I had to let him go," Kayla said. "I can't always protect him. It's scary to think about." Then she paused before adding, "But he can do OK on his own." Reach Meredith Cummings at meredith.cummings@tuscaloosanews.com or 205-722-0227.

So you have a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome...

and are considering termination. You ask yourself, what kind of life would my child with Down syndrome have? What burdens would he or she place on our family? Oh, he/she will suffer so termination is best for him/her. Before you make that decision, spend some time really researching, meeting other parents of children with Down syndrome, and read THIS BOOK. and if you have a prenatal diagnosis and want a free copy of GIFTS, just email me. If you need a quick fix, READ THIS. Usually the decision to terminate has to do with your fears, and your inability to see potential in your unborn child with Down syndrome that is the factor in your hesitation to give birth to your child. Thanks Dave for the lesson......... Well Look At That Everybody noticed. Everybody stared. Eventually even me. We stopped at Petro-Can to fill up the car and had to wait until a lane cleared by the pump so we could pull in. We'd passed several other stations without line ups, but here we sat. Joe collects Petro-Points and refuses to gas anywhere else. It's one of his, um, quirks. I didn't notice anything at first, then I saw a young guy about twenty staring intently at something. I put my eyes on his gaze and slid along to see the object of his attention. "Oh, stop," I thought to myself. He was staring at a man, about the same age as he was, with Down Syndrome who was pumping gas into a car. "Surely," I thought, "people are used to seeing the disabled amongst us being out and in the community doing every day things." Then I noticed that everyone else was staring too. Really looking at this guy. This was more than "Wow look at the disabled guy pump gas." This was something else. So I took in the whole scene. He was pumping gas into a car. The car was empty. Forgive me for what I thought, but I thought that his mom or dad was probably in the service center going to the washroom. He finished pumping gas, went in to the little kiosk and paid. Now, I understood what people were looking at. staring at, seeing. He got into the car, on the driver's side. Started the engine. Drove off. Even I reeled at that. I had heard of people with Down Syndrome driving, but I'd never seen it before. My automatic assumption was that he was a passenger. That because he had Down Syndrome he'd never ever be in the driver's seat. They weren't staring at him. Those people at the gas station. I think that something different was going on. They were re-evaluating eveything they ever thought about someone with Down Syndrome. They were ripping apart pre-conceived notions. They were having prejudice challenged. Admittedly, so was I. Damn. Just when I thought that I had it all together, some guy with Down Sydrome drives me off the road. Makes me realize how deep my own prejudices run. I wonder, though, about the effect he will have. On me, it was immediate. I reached inside myself and raised the bar - set expectations higher - not for them - for me. But I wonder if that twenty something guy who's stare I'd noticed. Should he ever get the news that his wife is carrying a baby with Down Syndrome, will he remember the guy with the car, pumping gas. The guy who drove off. The guy who is living a life, unpredicted. The guy doing things, unexpected. The guy who dreams, unencumbered. I truly hope so.

Nash was chosen as one of five kids from the whole school to read today....

at the 9 week convocation celebrating the end of the year, and those that had reading skills with the most gains from the beginning of the year. While we are still working on our First Grade IEP, as we have issues with LRE percentages and categorization- 51 or 50, I know we have the support of the principal and staff and will get there.... but I digress. This post is about today, and Nash. Reading. To. The. School. We are so, so proud. He didn't read "What Am I" like the video here; he was quiet (hmmmm where did THAT come from?) and you couldn't hear him well, but he read his book, got great applause from the wonderful kids at his elementary, and we are so, so proud... did I already say how proud we are of our Nashtaters? Once I can figure out how to edit a 45 minute video of the entire program (we gave away 4 bikes for reading too!) I will post it.... I just have to say, again, how proud we are of our boy! And thank you again Mr. Harvey - our principal - for your philosophy of acknowledging and praising diversity in all children. And a shout out to Mrs. Minnich and Mrs. Tappy...the wonder team. I so hope we can continue the gains in First grade...

Nash was asked to read for the principal....

at his elementary this week, and so we practiced tonight...he read "What Am I". First grade...here we come! Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

25 years ago today.........

some great people graduated from college at Indiana University. I am just fortunate to know some of them. Lori, Jeanine, and LeeAnne.... Miss you ladies! I am the one in the parrot blouse... And Happy Birthday LeeAnne! You look better now than 25 years ago! (Wish I were so fortunate!) The last picture was as I was bawling driving off campus for the final time....

A Wonderful Story- Leah of SigningTime and her Spelling Bee

Just posted on Signing Time's Rachel's Blog. Leah is in the fourth grade, totally included with an interpreter, and is profoundly deaf. What a wonderful story! Congratulations Leah! April 11, 2007 Miracle M-I-R-A-C-L-E Miracle Filed under: Crazy Little Thing Called Life — rachel @ 10:47 pm If anyone questions the benefits of early language acquisition, I invite them to take a look at this day. Today- April 11, 2007. Watch Leah’s Spelling Bee A few months ago, Leah told us that she was going to participate in the 4th grade Spelling Bee. This is her third year of being mainstreamed with an ASL interpreter. I was concerned about the 4th grade Bee, because many of the words have no signs and it would be cheating to have her interpreter fingerspell them to her. Leah was confident that she could memorize the words, the definitions and know how they are used in sentences. She came home one day and said she made it into the top 10. Now the top 10 fourth graders would compete with the top 10 fifth and top 10 sixth graders in the school Spelling Bee. Now I was really concerned. Could she hear the words well enough? Is this fair? Should I save her the embarrassment? I mean, those kids have been able to hear their whole lives. I still remember missing the word “magazine” when I was in my school Spelling Bee, I was in 4th grade. She practiced her words daily. I quizzed her. Lucy quizzed her. Aaron quizzed her. She even quizzed herself. She learned the definitions of BIZARRE and BAZAAR so she would not confuse them. I hoped she would not get cocky on words like FLOUR, only to find the word they wanted was FLOWER. This morning before school she was struggling with hearing the difference between INVISIBLE and INVINCIBLE. I was struggling to hear the difference between her “D’s” and “T’s” as well as her “C’s” and “Z’s.” Today was her school Spelling Bee. Leah has been a voracious reader for years now. I think when early intervention told us she would most likely graduate from high school with a 3rd grade reading level, simply because of her deafness, I was thrown into complete terror. Not MY child! When we started using sign language, she started reading – simply because not all words have a sign, many are just fingerspelled. By age 2 she was able to “read” a list of over 20 words that we commonly fingerspelled. She looked at them on the page, spelled them on her hand and told us what they meant. Leah quickly finishes her school work so that she can pull a book out of her desk and continue whatever adventure she had left waiting. She is currently reading the second Eragon book. Alex, my nephew, had similar early reading skills. He was being signed to at an earlier age than Leah. We only found out Leah was deaf when she was 14 months old. Alex was exposed to sign with his first month of life. Today as we headed out the door to her elementary school to watch the Spelling Bee, I asked Aaron to grab the video camera. He sort of looked at me… and I said, “It’s nothing short of a miracle that she can even compete in a Spelling Bee.” Her interpreter Kelli met us in the hallway. “I am SO nervous!” she admitted. She was standing by to interpret the instructions and possibly definitions if Leah needed her. Leah had excitedly realized yesterday that the top 3 winners would get trophies AND gift certificates to Barnes and Noble. Leah’s teacher fitted the microphone for Leah’s FM system on Craig Bolerjack, who was reading the words for the contest and pointed out Leah to him. She told Craig that Leah is deaf and she might need to see his mouth as he reads her words. As Leah progressed word by word, she was not searching Kelli’s hands or Craig’s lips for the answers. She was doing it on her own. Leah Coleman won first place in the school Spelling Bee today. I cried. Aaron cried. Most of the adults were brought to tears. She really worked for it. I am so proud of her!

Jeff in the News!

Jeff Huffman column: Celebrate a new holiday -- Disability Awareness Month Help, employ those with disabilities; making a friend easy as saying 'hi.' By Jeff Huffman March 23, 2007 When you think of March holidays, what do you think about? St. Patrick's Day? Spring break? Dr. Seuss' birthday? (It's true, Dr. Seuss' birthday is being celebrated this week at Goddard School, where our son attends after morning kindergarten at White River Elementary.) How about that Uranus was discovered on March 13, 1781? (OK, my wife Jan found that one.) But did you also know that March is Disability Awareness Month? And this celebration is one where you not only should mark your calendars, but you should also take action. If someone had asked me about Disability Awareness Month six years ago I would've told them I'd never heard of it. Now that I am involved in disability awareness, both professionally and personally, I realize, it's about "abilities" not "disabilities." Six years ago our journey commenced when our son Nash was born with Down syndrome. I sought out every bit of information I could and realized that what textbooks, brochures and Web sites left out were the personal connections -- the real people, the ones that experience disabilities daily themselves or through a family member. These experiences molded my perception. People who don't walk the walk and live the everyday life don't know, and it's up to those that do to let others know the needs, the wants, the possibilities, the desires. Today, individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities are open to a world of possibilities. That's partly due to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that has given children with disabilities the right to attend public school since 1975, along with the Americans with Disabilities Act which gives individuals with disabilities the legal right to pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, including employment. So it might surprise you that 80 percent of individuals with disabilities are underemployed or unemployed. As a country, a state and a community we have to fix this final roadblock. How can we do this? • Transportation is the No. 1 roadblock to employment, so continue to support Hamilton County's expansion of public transportation. • Encourage everyone that your family does business with to hire individuals with disabilities -- 89 percent of Americans prefer to do business with organizations that employ people with disabilities, according to a Gallup Poll. • Support school systems' efforts to accomplish great things for students with disabilities by supporting inclusion in classrooms and improving the transition process from school to work. Those are just three easy ways that we can begin to celebrate Hamilton County's first "Annual Ability Awareness Month." The easiest way to start is do what I try to do everyday: When I meet a new friend who happens to have a disability I just smile and say, "Hi. . . . " Jeff Huffman is president and chief executive officer of Janus Developmental Services.

Just who is BOSSY??

We have had an indoor weekend, not by choice mind you as we had a wonderful D.A.D.S. sponsored Punkin' Patch Hayride day planned with about 150 people, and today was a much needed sunny, warm, fall day. But Nash had other plans, and decided to get a fever and then start throwing up about 2am. So today our cranky boy was giving orders, and telling me I was "Bossy" with much 'tude. Here is me trying to get this 'tude on video......of course he wouldn't comply and had to whisper it at first.... Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos