The 2016 Columbus Buddy Walk was our very first Buddy Walk that we get to participate in. My family and I were so thrilled and have been working so hard to fundraise and add members to our team, Norah’s Force! When DSACO advised they were going to have Columbus Buddy Walk yard signs, I was so proud...
Benny was born May 31, 1984. I remember that day with two emotions: One as a proud father and second a confused parent. The nurse told us that Benny had Down syndrome and that he would be no more than just a vegetable. I wasn't sure what to think, but I wanted to take him home and try....
We always love a good inclusion and acceptance story! The blurb below was submitted by Julia, Carson's mom. Carson participated in The Kid’s Fashion Show for Fashion Week Columbus on October 8th. He, along with other boys, were dressed in designs by HOMAGE. Announcer WBNS-10TV - Columbus, Ohio news reporter, Brittany Begley said, “Carson just brought...
Today's story was written by Regina, Jenny's mom. She talks about how Down syndrome does not define Jenny or her abilities. She is accepted in her community as Jenny, not by her disability. As a single parent, it was hard to be as committed as I wanted to my daughter’s school functions. One time, I received a...
The Diagnosis Experience I Never Had for My Son With Down Syndrome By Melody Bogan I recently attended a class with genetic counselors in training at a local college. Several families, including myself, were asked to be actors in adjoining patient rooms receiving a diagnosis of Down syndrome for our newborns. My nerves were shot and I...
When our daughter, Logan, was born 3 1/2 years ago I feared for what life would be for her. Would she walk, talk, feed herself? Would she ever have any friends? To answer that, she does and has all of these things. Logan started preschool in February and she has made many friends. She is...
Will has a lot of friends at school and sometimes it is hard for his teacher or aide to transition him down the hall because his 'fans' all want to give him a hug or grab a high-five. Sometimes the hugs can be distracting, so his teacher decided to read the class a book about...
Today's story was shared at the 2016 Columbus Buddy Walk by Anna Baich, sister to Dawson. Click here to hear Anna's story about Dawson....
INCLUSION REALLY IS GOOD TEACHING, NOT SPECIAL TEACHING Original Version Written Winter, 1992 A year ago we were beginning our discussions with school personnel concerning our desire to have our daughter totally included in the same elementary school her brother attends. This is not an exclusive private school, just a public school that happens to be in...
The story below was written and submitted by Kenzie's mom, Dona Kenzie is promoting inclusion and acceptance every day. She rides the regular school bus just like every other kid in the neighborhood. She is in a regular second grade classroom all day, just like other kids. I just got an email from a woman that I do...