A milestone.

[Guest guest]

My son, who happens to have Down syndrome, just finished high school

at age 18.

Fifteen years ago my wife and I went to the Director of Special

Services in our local school district and requested that our son be

placed in regular classes with his non-disabled peers in his

neighborhood school 100% of the time with no pull outs for special

services – beginning with preschool.

That year we enrolled him in the nursery school that his two older

brothers had attended – with supports provided on site by the school

district. Since then, he has, with very few exceptions, been in

regular classes with his non-disabled age peers. English, Math,

Social Studies, Gym, Art, Science, French, Algebra, Geometry,

History, more English, Personal Finance, Foods, Shop, Chorale,

Drama, and assistant manager of the varsity football, hockey and

baseball teams with seven varsity letters for his contributions.

He can hold his own in a discussion of " The Odyssey " , the Vietnam

War, the U.S invasion of Iraq, the NHL lockout or WWE Smackdown.

(Yes, I am a parent bragging about my son – please indulge me.) He

is proficient on his PC. He knows how to navigate Windows

applications, go to Internet sites of his choosing (especially ESPN

and professional sport league sites). He likes to experiment in the

kitchen. He can't be fooled.

We've worked hard with the local school district. The district has

worked hard with us. Over the years we have developed a positive,

constructive and mutually respectful relationship, though we had two

due-process proceedings in the early years.

Next year, my son will be taking two classes at the local community

college (Principles of Coaching and Public Speaking) and working

part time. The school district will be providing a tutor to help

with the college classes and a job coach for the employment

experience. My biggest concern in this PPT season was getting the

house ready for his graduation party and trying to guess the weather.

I address this post to all the parents who are seeking quality

inclusive education for their younger children with Down syndrome.

Inclusion works! Stick to your guns.

And enjoy the summer.