Special Strong: A Welcoming Adaptive Environment for a More Abundant Life
Special Strong: A Welcoming Adaptive Environment for a More Abundant Life Special Strong is one of the country's only fitness centers for people with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges. It specializes in adaptive and inclusive fitness training and began in 2016. The center focuses on the three Cs: Community, Curriculum,…...
You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know: Here’s Some of What I Know
You Don't Know What You Don't Know: Here's Some of What I Know Since starting this blog, I've been consistently uncovering new resources to support parents of children with developmental disabilities. It is my mission to help them find support. Talking to one of my former student's mom struck a chord with me…...
In Her Own Time and Space: A Unique, Persistent and Positive Young Woman Thrives
In Her Own Time and Space: A Unique, Persistent, and Positive Young Woman Thrives Lauren is a positive young lady I have known since middle school. I have always loved being around her and now, as an adult, it is fun to see her thrive. She is now a young…...
Five Keys to Success: Thoughts About Some Down Right Amazing People
Image by Freepik: Studiogstock Five Keys to Success: Thoughts About Some Down Right Amazing People In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, I would like to share some thoughts about people with Down syndrome and commonalities I have noticed about those with Down syndrome who seem to flourish. First,…...
Spreading Love and Light: How a Special Volunteer is Making a Difference in Her Community
Spreading Love and Light: How a Special Volunteer is Making a Difference in Her Community I was so happy to interview this mom because I know her as a fellow teacher in my school district, but I did not realize she had a daughter with Down syndrome until recently. Reading…...
Kind-Hearted, Brave and Gritty: How Social Connections Help a Boy With Down Syndrome Shine Bright
Kind-Hearted, Brave and Gritty: How Social Connections Help a Boy With Down Syndrome Shine Bright I met this charming boy when we went to Michigan to watch our granddaughters play soccer. His sister is on their team, and I had the pleasure of sitting next to Lukas and his mom at…...
Beyond the Finish Line: A Strong, Disciplined, and Empathetic Girl is Breaking Boundaries
Beyond the Finish Line: A Strong, Disciplined, and Empathetic Girl is Breaking Boundaries This interview is special to me because I sat and had coffee with Lisa Morrison who created Integrated Community Solutions. My earlier post on 8/5/2024 titled, "Integrated Community Solutions: Empowering Inclusion, Independence and Accessible Living was to…...
Inclusive Play: A Look Inside We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym
Inclusive Play: A Look Inside We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym Recently I was in Saline, Michigan with my husband visiting our daughter and family. I love to stop at Brewed Awakenings when I am there. It has such an engaging community outreach vibe. I noticed a brochure that read, “We Rock…...
The Art of Understanding and Empathy: A Light Shines Bright on a Young Man With Different Abilities
The Art of Understanding and Empathy: A Light Shines Bright on a Young Man With Different Abilities I was thrilled to get this blog interview because as a former student of mine who moved away, I wanted to know how he and his family were doing. He was…...
Harmonizing Theater, Art and Education: Flourishing on an IEP
Harmonizing Theater, Art and Education: Flourishing on an IEP This is an artistic girl who loves music, art, and dance. She took dance for eight years at a dance studio and now studies under a Baldwin Wallace instructor. She auditioned for an Acappella music group and is currently doing that as…...
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“Deb has always been a champion for her students. She builds long-lasting relationships with her students and their families. Deb’s classroom over the years focused not only on quality instruction but also on teaching her students social skills and getting her students involved in community service projects.”
– Jim Shields, Human Resources Director of Medina City Schools, Medina, OH