Re: Re: MR label

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/19/2005 9:16:45 PM US Mountain Standard Time,

wildwards@... writes:

We should celebrate their accomplishments, whatever they are, not be dismayed

by them.

Yes, we should. And I do. I love it when Maverick makes me proud, which is

often. But I work so hard to teach him and to make sure he has opportunity to

grow and learn and be successful in this world. And he just isn't making

it. I mean, he's moving at his pace, learning, way below grade level, but

learning. And then I read about kids/adults who are so successful, so

independent,

so " high functioning " . There are a couple kids on Mav's baseball team with

DS whose parents do minimal work with them. And they are both much higher

functioning than Mav.

It's HARD not to be dismayed when you work so hard and your child works so

hard and you still can't reach those goals.

M.

[Guest guest]

I know at our community college they MUST make accomodations for students with

disabilities. I don't know if the same is true for universities and such. Is

being labeled MR automatic just because they have DS? I still don't understand

how this young man is labeled MR and still takes these courses unassisted in the

classroom.

Jackie

-------------- Original message --------------

>

> He does and he works 32 hours a week at the local Y. His dad was a math

> teacher so I am sure that helps. In order to get his high school diploma he

had

> to

> pass Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. I am confident that Stefanie could

> also take some courses at the community college and pass also. I think

> people with MR are doing more and more.

> If you want me to check our local paper's archives and find the article on

> him from high school graduation, I will be happy to do so.

>

> Our local community college will not accept students (first, you must pass an

> admissions test) that cannot show they will " benefit " from the classes. Some

> could say it is harder for a person to get in because they must prove they

> will benefit from the classes.

>

> In college there are no modifications and the students with disabilities must

> talk to their professors about whatever accommodations they may need.

>

> What also might be interesting to you is this young man lives in what we

> refer to as Downtown in our major city, Norfolk. He walks to work, walks to

> college (most of the time) walks to the mall near his home and to the movies

> there.

>

>

> I don't want you to think he is perfectly normal, there are times he needs

> help, there are areas he is not as sophisticated as people without DS. My

> daughter loves to tease him because she can ride a bike and he cannot. ;-)

>

> Cheryl in VA

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I know at our community college they MUST make accomodations for students with

disabilities. I don't know if the same is true for universities and such. Is

being labeled MR automatic just because they have DS? I still don't understand

how this young man is labeled MR and still takes these courses unassisted in the

classroom.

Jackie

-------------- Original message --------------

>

> He does and he works 32 hours a week at the local Y. His dad was a math

> teacher so I am sure that helps. In order to get his high school diploma he

had

> to

> pass Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. I am confident that Stefanie could

> also take some courses at the community college and pass also. I think

> people with MR are doing more and more.

> If you want me to check our local paper's archives and find the article on

> him from high school graduation, I will be happy to do so.

>

> Our local community college will not accept students (first, you must pass an

> admissions test) that cannot show they will " benefit " from the classes. Some

> could say it is harder for a person to get in because they must prove they

> will benefit from the classes.

>

> In college there are no modifications and the students with disabilities must

> talk to their professors about whatever accommodations they may need.

>

> What also might be interesting to you is this young man lives in what we

> refer to as Downtown in our major city, Norfolk. He walks to work, walks to

> college (most of the time) walks to the mall near his home and to the movies

> there.

>

>

> I don't want you to think he is perfectly normal, there are times he needs

> help, there are areas he is not as sophisticated as people without DS. My

> daughter loves to tease him because she can ride a bike and he cannot. ;-)

>

> Cheryl in VA

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

MR labels are supposed to be based on more than the IQ score. Unfortunately,

that is not always the case. Here many times MR label is used as a way to

segregate you from other classes and keep you in self contained classes. I am

sure, from parents I hear from at conferences, that goes on in other states

too. As far as I know, it would be illegal to automatically stick an MR label on

a child just because they have DS. You have to go thru the entire process to

come to that conclusion. As far as labels go here, we have kids with DS who

have SI labels, LD labels, and OHI labels. Parents try to avoid the MR label

because of the limitations it places on placement options for their kids. So

as far as labels go, those kids don't have MR because they are testing done

supported the other labels they have. My daughter had no label for her first

three years of school because all the testing gave her a low normal IQ and

therefore she did not qualify for special ed.

There are no IEPS in college. There are no labels. Students with

disabilities have to present themselves to the counselor and the professors and

tell

them if they need help. I know at our local community college (because I serve

on a board with a counselor from that college) that counselors will try and

steer students with disabilities away from professors that will not be willing

to

help if they need accommodations.

We have had quite the rise in students with MR attending colleges here

locally. The counselor has shared with our entire board that there are students

with MR attending classes that he and his staff feel are not benefiting from the

courses. Students have to show that they will benefit as part of the pre

admitance process.

Maybe you guys can check at your local colleges to see if they keep data on

students with MR that are attending classes there.

Cheryl in VA

[Guest guest]

MR labels are supposed to be based on more than the IQ score. Unfortunately,

that is not always the case. Here many times MR label is used as a way to

segregate you from other classes and keep you in self contained classes. I am

sure, from parents I hear from at conferences, that goes on in other states

too. As far as I know, it would be illegal to automatically stick an MR label on

a child just because they have DS. You have to go thru the entire process to

come to that conclusion. As far as labels go here, we have kids with DS who

have SI labels, LD labels, and OHI labels. Parents try to avoid the MR label

because of the limitations it places on placement options for their kids. So

as far as labels go, those kids don't have MR because they are testing done

supported the other labels they have. My daughter had no label for her first

three years of school because all the testing gave her a low normal IQ and

therefore she did not qualify for special ed.

There are no IEPS in college. There are no labels. Students with

disabilities have to present themselves to the counselor and the professors and

tell

them if they need help. I know at our local community college (because I serve

on a board with a counselor from that college) that counselors will try and

steer students with disabilities away from professors that will not be willing

to

help if they need accommodations.

We have had quite the rise in students with MR attending colleges here

locally. The counselor has shared with our entire board that there are students

with MR attending classes that he and his staff feel are not benefiting from the

courses. Students have to show that they will benefit as part of the pre

admitance process.

Maybe you guys can check at your local colleges to see if they keep data on

students with MR that are attending classes there.

Cheryl in VA

[Guest guest]

Jackie,

I have known this boy since he attended early intervention with my daughter,

over 22 years ago. The facts are as I stated. He is a very impressive young

man. His dad is a college level math teacher and I am sure he inherited some of

his math genes! His mom and dad have both worked very hard with him while he

was in school. I know they spent hours helping with homework too. They look

upon his college courses as a way to keep his mind active. I have no idea how

far he will be able to go or how many courses he will be able to pass but so

far he is doing well.

People used to think our kids could never read. Then they could never pass

regular courses in elementary, middle or high school. I just see this as proof

that education is helping our kids go farther and farther. I am sure there

are other young adults in colleges doing more than people expected but I can

only speak for who I know personally.

I will search the archives of our newspaper to find the article for you.

Cheryl

[Guest guest]

Jackie,

I have known this boy since he attended early intervention with my daughter,

over 22 years ago. The facts are as I stated. He is a very impressive young

man. His dad is a college level math teacher and I am sure he inherited some of

his math genes! His mom and dad have both worked very hard with him while he

was in school. I know they spent hours helping with homework too. They look

upon his college courses as a way to keep his mind active. I have no idea how

far he will be able to go or how many courses he will be able to pass but so

far he is doing well.

People used to think our kids could never read. Then they could never pass

regular courses in elementary, middle or high school. I just see this as proof

that education is helping our kids go farther and farther. I am sure there

are other young adults in colleges doing more than people expected but I can

only speak for who I know personally.

I will search the archives of our newspaper to find the article for you.

Cheryl

[Guest guest]

I understand all that......have seen that for myself. But no one has answered

my question as far as the MR label. Are you automatically labeled MR if you

have DS or is it based on an IQ score of some sort? I just thought that how can

someone be labeled MR and attened college courses without any asssitance in the

classroom? I cannot imagine any child I know with DS or not who has a MR label

getting A's and B's without adapted work or assistance. How do you receive an

MR label?

Jackie

-------------- Original message --------------

>

> Do any of your children participate in Special Olympics? We have athletes

> here who do not have DS but are MR and they are living on their own, working,

> etc. Maybe my exposure to adults with MR higher than many on this list. I see

> them through my work as well as at Special Olympics and other programs. At the

> special courses my daughter took at our local community, some of the people

> with MR in her classes drove themselves to campus.

>

> My point in talking about this young man is not to brag about his

> accomplishments but to let you know there are young adults doing many things

> most people

> would not think them capable of. It's not to have people compare their child

> or any other but to let people know that there are kids with T21 making great

> strides.

>

> Our kids are all different. Their genetic makeup is different, their

> eduational opportunities are different, their motivation is different, and the

> way

> they are affected by DS is different.

> We should celebrate their accomplishments, whatever they are, not be dismayed

> by them.

> Cheryl in VA

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I understand all that......have seen that for myself. But no one has answered

my question as far as the MR label. Are you automatically labeled MR if you

have DS or is it based on an IQ score of some sort? I just thought that how can

someone be labeled MR and attened college courses without any asssitance in the

classroom? I cannot imagine any child I know with DS or not who has a MR label

getting A's and B's without adapted work or assistance. How do you receive an

MR label?

Jackie

-------------- Original message --------------

>

> Do any of your children participate in Special Olympics? We have athletes

> here who do not have DS but are MR and they are living on their own, working,

> etc. Maybe my exposure to adults with MR higher than many on this list. I see

> them through my work as well as at Special Olympics and other programs. At the

> special courses my daughter took at our local community, some of the people

> with MR in her classes drove themselves to campus.

>

> My point in talking about this young man is not to brag about his

> accomplishments but to let you know there are young adults doing many things

> most people

> would not think them capable of. It's not to have people compare their child

> or any other but to let people know that there are kids with T21 making great

> strides.

>

> Our kids are all different. Their genetic makeup is different, their

> eduational opportunities are different, their motivation is different, and the

> way

> they are affected by DS is different.

> We should celebrate their accomplishments, whatever they are, not be dismayed

> by them.

> Cheryl in VA

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi

This is a little bit off the subject, but I was surprised to find no ramps

or other accessible methods to get into Fort Comm. College for

the Music Festival on Saturday, the one where Kristi had won the silver

medal. There may have been ramps in another building but the Academic

Building had none and people had to help me lift him up the steps and open

doors for us.

15 years after ADA went into effect, this is surprising.

Re: re: Re: Re: MR label

>

>

> I know at our community college they MUST make accomodations for students

with disabilities. I don't know if the same is true for universities and

such. Is being labeled MR automatic just because they have DS? I still

don't understand how this young man is labeled MR and still takes these

courses unassisted in the classroom.

>

> Jackie

> -------------- Original message --------------

>

> >

> > He does and he works 32 hours a week at the local Y. His dad was a math

> > teacher so I am sure that helps. In order to get his high school diploma

he had

> > to

> > pass Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. I am confident that Stefanie

could

> > also take some courses at the community college and pass also. I think

> > people with MR are doing more and more.

> > If you want me to check our local paper's archives and find the article

on

> > him from high school graduation, I will be happy to do so.

> >

> > Our local community college will not accept students (first, you must

pass an

> > admissions test) that cannot show they will " benefit " from the classes.

Some

> > could say it is harder for a person to get in because they must prove

they

> > will benefit from the classes.

> >

> > In college there are no modifications and the students with disabilities

must

> > talk to their professors about whatever accommodations they may need.

> >

> > What also might be interesting to you is this young man lives in what we

> > refer to as Downtown in our major city, Norfolk. He walks to work, walks

to

> > college (most of the time) walks to the mall near his home and to the

movies

> > there.

> >

> >

> > I don't want you to think he is perfectly normal, there are times he

needs

> > help, there are areas he is not as sophisticated as people without DS.

My

> > daughter loves to tease him because she can ride a bike and he cannot.

;-)

> >

> > Cheryl in VA

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi

This is a little bit off the subject, but I was surprised to find no ramps

or other accessible methods to get into Fort Comm. College for

the Music Festival on Saturday, the one where Kristi had won the silver

medal. There may have been ramps in another building but the Academic

Building had none and people had to help me lift him up the steps and open

doors for us.

15 years after ADA went into effect, this is surprising.

Re: re: Re: Re: MR label

>

>

> I know at our community college they MUST make accomodations for students

with disabilities. I don't know if the same is true for universities and

such. Is being labeled MR automatic just because they have DS? I still

don't understand how this young man is labeled MR and still takes these

courses unassisted in the classroom.

>

> Jackie

> -------------- Original message --------------

>

> >

> > He does and he works 32 hours a week at the local Y. His dad was a math

> > teacher so I am sure that helps. In order to get his high school diploma

he had

> > to

> > pass Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. I am confident that Stefanie

could

> > also take some courses at the community college and pass also. I think

> > people with MR are doing more and more.

> > If you want me to check our local paper's archives and find the article

on

> > him from high school graduation, I will be happy to do so.

> >

> > Our local community college will not accept students (first, you must

pass an

> > admissions test) that cannot show they will " benefit " from the classes.

Some

> > could say it is harder for a person to get in because they must prove

they

> > will benefit from the classes.

> >

> > In college there are no modifications and the students with disabilities

must

> > talk to their professors about whatever accommodations they may need.

> >

> > What also might be interesting to you is this young man lives in what we

> > refer to as Downtown in our major city, Norfolk. He walks to work, walks

to

> > college (most of the time) walks to the mall near his home and to the

movies

> > there.

> >

> >

> > I don't want you to think he is perfectly normal, there are times he

needs

> > help, there are areas he is not as sophisticated as people without DS.

My

> > daughter loves to tease him because she can ride a bike and he cannot.

;-)

> >

> > Cheryl in VA

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Cheryl and Jackie,

I agree with everything you said, Cheryl. I believe people with MR can do many

things and this is wonderful. But... I think it's important to know the

complete facts when stating that someone with MR is getting A's and B's in

college math and computer classes without adapted work or assistance. I

remember hearing Gaffney's mother say (at a NDSC convention) that she had

to help do home work for 3 hours every night. That is quite a bit of

assistance, in my opinion. My son is in an academic resource room in high

school, and I have to help him do the homework too. It is not easy. I think

my son is probably somewhere in the moderate to mild MR range, and there is

absolutely no way he could do college work. The boy you mentioned who is going

to college would have to have a pretty high IQ-- but is he MR?

I really would like to read the article, Cheryl, if you can find it. Thanks.

Barbara

Re: re: Re: Re: MR label

I understand all that......have seen that for myself. But no one has answered

my question as far as the MR label. Are you automatically labeled MR if you

have DS or is it based on an IQ score of some sort? I just thought that how can

someone be labeled MR and attened college courses without any asssitance in the

classroom? I cannot imagine any child I know with DS or not who has a MR label

getting A's and B's without adapted work or assistance. How do you receive an

MR label?

Jackie

-------------- Original message --------------

>

> Do any of your children participate in Special Olympics? We have athletes

> here who do not have DS but are MR and they are living on their own,

working,

> etc. Maybe my exposure to adults with MR higher than many on this list. I

see

> them through my work as well as at Special Olympics and other programs. At

the

> special courses my daughter took at our local community, some of the people

> with MR in her classes drove themselves to campus.

>

> My point in talking about this young man is not to brag about his

> accomplishments but to let you know there are young adults doing many things

> most people

> would not think them capable of. It's not to have people compare their child

> or any other but to let people know that there are kids with T21 making

great

> strides.

>

> Our kids are all different. Their genetic makeup is different, their

> eduational opportunities are different, their motivation is different, and

the

> way

> they are affected by DS is different.

> We should celebrate their accomplishments, whatever they are, not be

dismayed

> by them.

> Cheryl in VA

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Cheryl and Jackie,

I agree with everything you said, Cheryl. I believe people with MR can do many

things and this is wonderful. But... I think it's important to know the

complete facts when stating that someone with MR is getting A's and B's in

college math and computer classes without adapted work or assistance. I

remember hearing Gaffney's mother say (at a NDSC convention) that she had

to help do home work for 3 hours every night. That is quite a bit of

assistance, in my opinion. My son is in an academic resource room in high

school, and I have to help him do the homework too. It is not easy. I think

my son is probably somewhere in the moderate to mild MR range, and there is

absolutely no way he could do college work. The boy you mentioned who is going

to college would have to have a pretty high IQ-- but is he MR?

I really would like to read the article, Cheryl, if you can find it. Thanks.

Barbara

Re: re: Re: Re: MR label

I understand all that......have seen that for myself. But no one has answered

my question as far as the MR label. Are you automatically labeled MR if you

have DS or is it based on an IQ score of some sort? I just thought that how can

someone be labeled MR and attened college courses without any asssitance in the

classroom? I cannot imagine any child I know with DS or not who has a MR label

getting A's and B's without adapted work or assistance. How do you receive an

MR label?

Jackie

-------------- Original message --------------

>

> Do any of your children participate in Special Olympics? We have athletes

> here who do not have DS but are MR and they are living on their own,

working,

> etc. Maybe my exposure to adults with MR higher than many on this list. I

see

> them through my work as well as at Special Olympics and other programs. At

the

> special courses my daughter took at our local community, some of the people

> with MR in her classes drove themselves to campus.

>

> My point in talking about this young man is not to brag about his

> accomplishments but to let you know there are young adults doing many things

> most people

> would not think them capable of. It's not to have people compare their child

> or any other but to let people know that there are kids with T21 making

great

> strides.

>

> Our kids are all different. Their genetic makeup is different, their

> eduational opportunities are different, their motivation is different, and

the

> way

> they are affected by DS is different.

> We should celebrate their accomplishments, whatever they are, not be

dismayed

> by them.

> Cheryl in VA

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

I'm with you on that. The other thing that is hard for me, is sometimes I feel

my child isn't given a chance.

The world is not fair and no one said it would be. It makes it harder to take

at times especially now around IEP time.

(mom to Bridget 12)

Re: re: Re: Re: MR label

.....There are a couple kids on Mav's baseball team with DS whose parents do

minimal work with them. And they are both much higher functioning than Mav.

It's HARD not to be dismayed when you work so hard and your child works so

hard and you still can't reach those goals.

M.

[Guest guest]

,

I'm with you on that. The other thing that is hard for me, is sometimes I feel

my child isn't given a chance.

The world is not fair and no one said it would be. It makes it harder to take

at times especially now around IEP time.

(mom to Bridget 12)

Re: re: Re: Re: MR label

.....There are a couple kids on Mav's baseball team with DS whose parents do

minimal work with them. And they are both much higher functioning than Mav.

It's HARD not to be dismayed when you work so hard and your child works so

hard and you still can't reach those goals.

M.

[Guest guest]

No,

You are not automatically 'labeled' MR if you have DS. One might have some

MR and there are all levels. Hence- we are back to the IQ which determines the

level of MR. I just swithced amanda's label to MR to be eligible for

alternate assessment for HS. Before through elementary school her 'label' was

learning disabled.

I have a friend who's daughter goes to the community college taking classes

in their special needs program. She tapes all her classes and it is adapted

and her dad is working his butt off to help her keep up with the classes.

I hope amanda will take a class or so at a time to keep her education going.

My friend's daughter will take forever to ever get any credits!

[Guest guest]

No,

You are not automatically 'labeled' MR if you have DS. One might have some

MR and there are all levels. Hence- we are back to the IQ which determines the

level of MR. I just swithced amanda's label to MR to be eligible for

alternate assessment for HS. Before through elementary school her 'label' was

learning disabled.

I have a friend who's daughter goes to the community college taking classes

in their special needs program. She tapes all her classes and it is adapted

and her dad is working his butt off to help her keep up with the classes.

I hope amanda will take a class or so at a time to keep her education going.

My friend's daughter will take forever to ever get any credits!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/21/2005 2:58:01 AM Eastern Standard Time,

rdill@... writes:

Special Olympics does NOT REQUIRE that the participants be classified

MR. LD .. or even having an IEP is enough. In SO, we saw many

participants who had no visible handicap, either intellectually or in

athletics. Since I never saw their qualification paperwork, I have to

assume that they were properly eligible

There are disabiliteis that are not evident to the casual observer that may

make participation in regular sports a problem. Disorders on the Autism

spectrum are a great example.

- Becky

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/21/2005 2:58:01 AM Eastern Standard Time,

rdill@... writes:

Special Olympics does NOT REQUIRE that the participants be classified

MR. LD .. or even having an IEP is enough. In SO, we saw many

participants who had no visible handicap, either intellectually or in

athletics. Since I never saw their qualification paperwork, I have to

assume that they were properly eligible

There are disabiliteis that are not evident to the casual observer that may

make participation in regular sports a problem. Disorders on the Autism

spectrum are a great example.

- Becky

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/21/2005 5:58:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time, RSYOSH@...

writes:

In a message dated 4/21/2005 2:58:01 AM Eastern Standard Time,

rdill@... writes:

Special Olympics does NOT REQUIRE that the participants be classified

MR. LD .. or even having an IEP is enough. In SO, we saw many

participants who had no visible handicap, either intellectually or in

athletics. Since I never saw their qualification paperwork, I have to

assume that they were properly eligible

There are disabiliteis that are not evident to the casual observer that may

make participation in regular sports a problem. Disorders on the Autism

spectrum are a great example.

I guess they better change their mission statement and vision statement

then:

From Special Olympics.org:

The Mission of Special Olympics

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports

training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for

children

and adults with intellectual disabilities*, giving them continuing

opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy

and

participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families,

other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

* Intellectual disabilities is synonymous with mental retardation

Cheryl in VA

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/21/2005 5:58:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time, RSYOSH@...

writes:

In a message dated 4/21/2005 2:58:01 AM Eastern Standard Time,

rdill@... writes:

Special Olympics does NOT REQUIRE that the participants be classified

MR. LD .. or even having an IEP is enough. In SO, we saw many

participants who had no visible handicap, either intellectually or in

athletics. Since I never saw their qualification paperwork, I have to

assume that they were properly eligible

There are disabiliteis that are not evident to the casual observer that may

make participation in regular sports a problem. Disorders on the Autism

spectrum are a great example.

I guess they better change their mission statement and vision statement

then:

From Special Olympics.org:

The Mission of Special Olympics

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports

training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for

children

and adults with intellectual disabilities*, giving them continuing

opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy

and

participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families,

other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

* Intellectual disabilities is synonymous with mental retardation

Cheryl in VA

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/21/2005 8:43:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

bmitchell@... writes:

then I think all of the DS community would be interested in knowing more

about him

And Barbara, if I show his mom all the posts from here, I sincerely doubt

she will share anything with parents. I have already decided that sharing

about my daughter on this list will change. I believe he is not the only young

adult doing well but maybe we don't hear more from them for this same reason.

Our lDS community all know him, local doctors know about him, he is very well

known locally. He has been on panels that local doctors at our children's

hospital set up for resident pediatricians about DS. I am sure they just

attribute

his skills to the impact DS has on him individually and somehow it has a

milder impact than on others. Which is the reality, he has genes cut off and cut

on

that others don't. Each of our kids have that.

We all know that some kids are affected more severly than others. This is one

of those cases. We do know of young adults that are actors, that drive to

college. You mentioned Gaffney. Isn't she taking college courses?

Didn't

we just hear about a young lady that passed the MCAS in Massachusetts and is

trying to get accepted in and Wales?

This thread turned into one about kids with DS attending college. I gave and

example of a local young man and WHAM ..... must not have DS, must not have

MR, must not really be doing that well, must not, must not, must not. I am

sure his mom will not be comfortable with an inquisition that I placed her in!

But she is one of the founding members of our local support group, her family

has been helping others since her son was born, she may respond to you as an

indivdual. I can check.

Cheryl

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/21/2005 8:43:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

bmitchell@... writes:

then I think all of the DS community would be interested in knowing more

about him

And Barbara, if I show his mom all the posts from here, I sincerely doubt

she will share anything with parents. I have already decided that sharing

about my daughter on this list will change. I believe he is not the only young

adult doing well but maybe we don't hear more from them for this same reason.

Our lDS community all know him, local doctors know about him, he is very well

known locally. He has been on panels that local doctors at our children's

hospital set up for resident pediatricians about DS. I am sure they just

attribute

his skills to the impact DS has on him individually and somehow it has a

milder impact than on others. Which is the reality, he has genes cut off and cut

on

that others don't. Each of our kids have that.

We all know that some kids are affected more severly than others. This is one

of those cases. We do know of young adults that are actors, that drive to

college. You mentioned Gaffney. Isn't she taking college courses?

Didn't

we just hear about a young lady that passed the MCAS in Massachusetts and is

trying to get accepted in and Wales?

This thread turned into one about kids with DS attending college. I gave and

example of a local young man and WHAM ..... must not have DS, must not have

MR, must not really be doing that well, must not, must not, must not. I am

sure his mom will not be comfortable with an inquisition that I placed her in!

But she is one of the founding members of our local support group, her family

has been helping others since her son was born, she may respond to you as an

indivdual. I can check.

Cheryl

[Guest guest]

I forgot something. I don't think Dad has a gift for working with kids who

have DS, I think he just spent a lot of time helping his son learn what he

needed to know in order to do well in his classes.

Cheryl in VA

[Guest guest]

I forgot something. I don't think Dad has a gift for working with kids who

have DS, I think he just spent a lot of time helping his son learn what he

needed to know in order to do well in his classes.

Cheryl in VA