07/09/2016
From Noah's mom: "This friendship was brought to you by inclusion. Inclusion that started in preschool. You may wonder why inclusion matters. First it is has been shown by research that it is the best environment for my child to learn. Noah's learning style is visual, he has to see it. Therefore when he is surrounded by typical kids he starts doing what they are doing. He is challenged, he follows routine better, he attempts new things. This part of inclusion is awesome, but there is another reason. I want you to think about how many kids with special needs were in your classes while you were growing up...not in your school but in your classes. Yeah, me either. Now think about how many adults with special needs are part of your community and who you consider your friends. Yeah, me either too. The likely reason for your lack of awesome adult friends is because you weren't exposed to it in your childhood. The majority of these children were isolated in contained classrooms. You may think today is better, however the majority of my friends in the Down syndrome community are battling to get their children in their local neighborhood schools. Siblings have been separated because they feel they can educate the child with special needs better at a different location. If there are no children with Down syndrome in your school you should question that, it is the most common genetic difference on the planet. I also know the population of Dallas and there are 100s of families here with children with Down syndrome. These kiddos should be in your schools and possibly in your child's class. It will make everyone's futures better. My one hope with Noah in school is that he becomes part of a community. That people know him and want to know him. We have been welcomed with open arms and are having such a positive experience. But trust me our story is rare. "
