New (to me) Tool for keeping up to date!
I’ll also provide weekly summaries in case you want to catch up on the weekend.
Down Syndrome (and other stories of Interest) In The Headlines – Week of January 19 – 25, 2014
Number of deaths double for people in state care – WBIR-TV
January 19, 2014
“Sometimes he ate too quickly. He had to be watched. They knew that,” he said.
So why, he asks, did his intellectually disabled brother choke to death while in the state’s care?
Stephanie Holland’s insight:
This is extremely distressing. “”My error was believing people,” she said.” – a mother who lost her child. Horrible things revealed in a report on TN group homes….
Defendant takes plea deal in shooting of teen with Down syndrome – Modesto Bee
Stephanie Holland’s insight:
Is this justice? Did the fact that the victim had Down syndrome weigh into the court’s decision?
MCC to raise awareness for Down syndrome – Marshalltown Times Republican
He’ll get his chance Saturday night as he is organizing a Down syndrome awareness event during the Marshalltown Community College men’s basketball game against Indian Hills.
Stephanie Holland’s insight:
Great story about a parent raising awareness.
Rosa’s Law | Why We Use The Term Intellectual Disability | The Brambles Virginia
This transition is a result of Rosa’s Law, named after Rosa Marcellino, a Maryland girl with Down Syndrome who was 9 years-old when the law was put into place.
Stephanie Holland’s insight:
Great short read on why we use “individual with an intellectual disability” thanks to a child who has Down syndrome.
17 Amazing Art Studios for Adults with Special Needs
Stephanie Holland’s insight:
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time”
-Thomas Merton.Great article and resource!
Children in restaurants, a delicate dining dance – Baltimore Sun
“I could hear it crying in the kitchen,” chef/owner Grant Achatz, told “Good Morning America.” “We want people to come and enjoy an experience at Alinea for what it is. But we also have to be cognizant of the other 80 people that came in to experience Alinea that night.”
Stephanie Holland’s insight:
“If someone is obese or if they have an intellectual disability, [the staff is] not going to ask them to leave. You shouldn’t assume what their behavior would be like.”Reactions to this story? We’d love to hear your restaurant stories!
On Adopting a Kid With Down Syndrome – Huffington Post
You want to know what people really think about kids with Down syndrome? Tell someone you’re thinking of getting one. No one said anything close to “Hey, awesome!” It was more like “Why do you want to do that to yourself?” or “That sounds hard” or “Don’t do that, please.”
Stephanie Holland’s insight:
Another great strory from Kari Wagner-Peck
Developmental disability service providers urge Governor to keep funding in place – WBFO
WBFO’s Eileen Buckley recently visited one its centers where young adults receiving training to become independent.
Resident uses home studio to help disabled
Collins has lived in Columbia County since 1991 and has a Master’s Degree in expressive art therapy. She has been applying her skills to individuals with disabilities since 2006.
Stephanie Holland’s insight:
Where there’s a will…
‘Growing Up Down’s’: Tommy’s got talent
Aging Parents Of Disabled Adults Need Help – Hartford Courant
“I’m scared,” he said.
And so are hundreds of other aging parents of intellectually disabled adults. As their ability to care for their children wanes, they want them settled into appropriate living environments. But they say cuts in state funding have made this very difficult, until an emergency hits — such as the death of the last custodial parent.
Stephanie Holland’s insight:
This situation is not uncommon, and will only grow with the number of baby-boomers becoming senior citizens and the fact that our kids are (thankfully) living longer. Alzheimer’s is also a factor for both parents and adults who have Down syndrome. We need to find solutions!