Normal is Just a Setting on the Washing Machine: Every Differently Abled Child is an Individual
Normal is Just a Setting on the Washing Machine: Every Differently Abled Child is an Individual While visiting our daughter and her family in Saline, Michigan we stopped at my favorite coffee shop for a sandwich. It is called Brewed Awakenings, and I love going there. This welcoming cafe takes pride in the…...
Five Things You Can Do Today To Be Inclusive: A Special Conversation
Image by Freepik Five Things You Can Do Today To Be Inclusive: A Special Conversation We all hear about the need to be inclusive but what are actions you can do to promote this idea? I have 5 tips for you today to help you be inclusive when interacting with someone with…...
Nothing Down About It: Championing and Shining on Her Abilities
Image by Freepik Nothing Down About It: Championing and Shining on Her Abilities The heart is a perfect picture for this girl who was once my student because she loves life! I see her continue to thrive because we live in the same community. She always hugs me when I see her,…...
Say “Yes!” to Love and Learning: The Importance of Reading at Home
Say "Yes!" to Love and Learning: The Importance of Reading at Home Recently, I was asked to be the Keynote Speaker for a local group called, Live Inspired. Their mission strives to glorify Jesus Christ and empower parents to be their child's first, best teacher, using joyful communication and positive play…...
From Blocks to Brilliance: Nurturing the Talents of a Special Lego Master
Image by Freepik From Blocks to Brilliance: Nurturing the Talents of a Special Lego Master It is Autism Awareness month, and I have often said, kids with autism have superpowers. This is the case with this young boy. His superpower is building things. He can create all sorts of things and…...
The Helper’s Heart: The Journey of a Special Young Man
katemangostar on Freepik The Helper's Heart: The Journey of a Special Young Man This young man was once my student. He would easily get frustrated as a sixth grader, and academic tasks were difficult. He would get mad at me and say, "I done, ok?" so then I knew I shouldn't…...
Downright Perfect: Raising a Compassionate and Caring Girl
Image by kjpargeter on Freepik Downright Perfect: Raising a Compassionate and Caring Girl I was very excited to get this interview because this girl has amazing skills and much to share with everyone. I am lucky to have met her. I am friends with her aunt, and even though…...
Amazing Grace: Redefining Limits and Finding Joy
Amazing Grace: Redefining Limits and Finding Joy Don't limit what can be accomplished if you want it! This beautiful girl has Down syndrome, but that does not define her or put limits on her. Even though I did not teach her, I know her and her mother. When I asked her…...
The Power of Ability: Recognizing Down Right Exceptional Organizational Skills
Image by Freepik The Power of Ability: Recognizing Down Right Exceptional Organizational Skills Recently I went to our local Goodwill store to see two former students hard at work. They had invited me to see them at work. One of these girls was stocking donated books and carefully putting them…...
Embracing Our Differences: Creating a Brighter, More Inclusive World
Embracing Our Differences For the last two years, my husband and I have loved seeing the beautiful billboard-size posters on display at Bayfront Park,…...
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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