40. Back to School: All Things Education, Inclusion, and Down Syndrome

Anyone else feel overwhelmed and under-qualified when the back to school season begins?!  We know we do! But here’s the thing: when it comes to your child’s education, YOU DO YOU.  If you doing you means homeschooling, great!  If it means a fully inclusive general education setting, great!  If it means a special education class setting, great!  This week we’re here to say that we are cheering for you and your child with Down Syndrome at school, at home, and in every space you occupy.  Because when it comes down to it, choosing the “perfect” (if there is such a thing) classroom for your child with Down Syndrome depends on so much more than meets the eye.  We get it, family dynamics shift.  School districts have limited options.  Working parents need to have their kids in school full time.  Accessing the resources to advocate for full inclusion is challenging.  Most education systems are not built for kids with different abilities.  The list goes on, friends. Long story short, we’re all doing the best with what we know.  We’re not all going to die on the same education hill.  In fact, we’re all on different hills supporting our kids and this community the best that we can.  Truth be told, people with Down Syndrome (and all of us!) are lifelong learners.  Remember that we can shout the worth of our kiddos from any platform, in every classroom!  Join us for a chat about all the education options, why we have chosen our paths, and how to feel good about your decisions for your child!  Here’s to lifelong learning, friends! __ SHOW LINKS Read “Teaching Math to People With Down Syndrome” by DeAnna Horstmeier Check out Terry Brown’s So Happy To Learn educational resources for students with Down Syndrome Watch “Not Special Needs” on Youtube LET’S CHAT Email [email protected] with your questions and Good News for future episodes. HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email [email protected] for more information! CHECK OUT HEATHER’S NEW BOOK Scoot Over and Make Some Room: Creating a Space Where Everyone Belongs by Heather Avis is NOW available on Amazon. Head to Youtube and subscribe to The Lucky Few’s NEW Channel: In Search of The Lucky Few. Click here to start watching now!