Valerie represented tens of thousands of families of children with disabilities in Indiana as the Chairperson of the Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddler under three Indiana Governors from 2001-2006 . This experience, along with raising a young daughter with Down syndrome, has provided her with a unique view and understanding of the issues facing the disability community. You can read her blog at UnitedMediaNow.com
“Mom, I hate having Down Syndrome.” My 14-year old daughter told me this the other day. Honestly, I sat there for a minute because I didn’t know what to say. It wasn’t a big surprise to me because she had implied in the past that she wanted nothing to do with Down Syndrome. Our family [...]
Someone asked me this question after I wrote a blog post regarding overcoming fear as a parent of a child with special needs. They were arguing with their husband who was pushing back at plans to get their daughter a cell phone. He insisted it was unsafe and that she may end up purchasing apps via [...]
It’s that time of year again when many states begin a new legislative session. Some states, like Indiana, only have a part-time legislature which meets three to four months a year, while some states are in session year round. Regardless, things seem to heat up in the beginning of the year. If you are considering [...]
The other day I was reading a magazine article which highlighted the recent winners of the Innovator of the Year Awards. There were various categories recognized, but I found myself reading the article about winners Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. You will remember them as the cute little twins who both played the single role [...]
I have to admit, I have been giddy ever since I began researching college opportunities for children with special needs. How exciting! We have always told our 13-yr old daughter with Down syndrome she would be going to college some day, but it was one of those hopeful comments where I wasn’t really sure it [...]
From the time my daughter was born with Down syndrome thirteen years ago, my biggest concern was what would happen when she got her period. I have learned over the years that I am not alone when it comes to parental worry on this subject. Let me stress up front that I am not a [...]
As I began the process of preparing for my oldest daughter’s graduation party, I found myself in the basement – cleaning the storage room that had not been touched since the day we moved in to our home over ten years ago. As I went through box after box of memories, I stumbled across preschool [...]
I know this is a sensitive issue for many parents, because I personally got caught in the crossfire surrounding it when my daughter was born almost thirteen years ago. Our daughter’s diagnosis of Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) was unexpected and the only thing I knew to do was reach out to my friend who was [...]
Fundraisers have long supported budget shortfalls for not-for-profits. These popular events rode along side a wave of economic prosperity when it seemed people – of every socioeconomic class – were happy to write checks to help out a good cause. Suddenly, the silent auction was everywhere, and we were enjoying parties and fellowship with likeminded [...]
After another failed attempt to make inroads for his daughter at school, the father commented in frustration, “I want her to have a normal life.” I read these words over and over. A normal life. That doesn’t seem like much to ask for any parent. The article was on the front page of The Wall Street [...]
