Charlotte Cox claims golds galore in Portugal

 Charlotte Cox with her medal haul from the IAADS (International Association of Athletes with Down Syndrome) European Championships.

from the Cambridge News by Mark Taylor

Charlotte Cox was laden in gold at the International Association of Athletes with Down Syndrome European Championships.

The 23-year-old Cambridge & Coleridge athlete had a brilliant competition on the continent, following up her success at the DSE regional championships in Chelmsford in May.

Cox won gold medals in all her events – the 100m, 200m, 400m, long jump and, for the first time, the triathlon.

The triathlon consists of the 100m, long jump and shot putt and Cox set a world record in victory.

Great Britain came fourth overall, with hosts Portugal triumphant.

Cox now moves on to the Mencap Nationals in Manchester in June, with the IAADS World Championships in South Africa next year.

See and Learn Saying Words

By Down Syndrome Education Enteprises CIC:

See and Learn Saying Words is designed to support the development of clear speech for children with Down syndrome and other children with similar speech difficulties.

See and Learn Saying Words is designed to help children to say words and improve the accuracy of their word productions through simple activities that encourage the imitation and repetition of one- and two-syllable words. It includes eight sets of words, each starting with a speech sound that usually develops early in typical development.

See and Learn Saying Words can help parents, teachers and therapists to support the regular speech practice that research evidence suggests is necessary to develop clearer speech. It is part of See and Learn Speech - an evidence-based teaching scheme developed by Down Syndrome Education International – a widely recognised leader in research and effective interventions for children with Down syndrome.

The See and Learn Saying Words app features three activities:

• Learning to Say Words – using picture prompt cards and speechreading cues to encourage first attempts at saying words
• Practising Saying Words – using sets of picture prompt cards in games to encourage more complete word production
• Rehearsing Saying Words – multiple repetitions of specific words to improve the clarity and consistency of word production

Local writes book on life with Down syndrome

by Jordan Gribble from the Daily Comet:
Living with Down syndrome isn't easy, but 21-year-old Sean Adams is finding happiness through a positive outlook and a supportive family.

The Larose resident tells that story his newly published book, “I am Happy to Be Me.”

“It talks about my life with Down syndrome and shows others what life is like with Down,” said Sean, who lives with his parents, Melisa and John Adams. “Some people don't accept their disability. But I think everyone should know that I'm glad I have my disability. It's a gift from God that should not be taken for granted.”

Down syndrome is a condition that someone is born with that causes below average mental abilities and problems in physical development.

Taking inspiration from the deaf and blind Helen Keller, who even with her disabilities was able to write 12 books during her lifetime, Sean says he too wants to give a voice to the voiceless.

“Some kids with disabilities, they don't speak up, and they need a voice. I write to be a voice,” he said.

Sean began writing the book as a freshman at South Lafourche High School. It began slowly at first. But finally with hard work and the guidance of his godmother, who is also a published author, Sean was able to complete the book.

I'm Taking a Stand to Make My Difference in the World

by Lauren Potter from the Huffington Post:
I'm Lauren Potter. I'm just a 24-year-old girl who is working hard to live my dreams and make my difference in the world.
In order to do that, I've had to face challenges. Sometimes even seemingly simple things, like walking and talking, have been a challenge. But I never let that stop me. I have always continued to dream big and to fight hard to pursue those dreams.
When I was young, my dream was to be an actress. Sure people told me I'd never be able to do it, but I replied, "Just watch me!" Now they are watching me, but this time on the big screen. I filmed my first movie when I was 16 years old, and I am currently an actress on Fox's hit TV show Glee that just celebrated its 100th episode.
As a girl who has accomplished things that many didn't think were possible, I know that people can be wrong when they judge someone else just because they are different. We are all different. And that isn't bad, it's just, well, different!
Because of Glee I have been given a chance to pursue another dream of mine -- to make the world a more welcoming place for people who are different -- especially for people like me who have always been told "you can't" instead of "you can." I want to live in a world where everyone can live, go to school and go to work without having to be afraid. Afraid of being judged, afraid of being bullied or cyber-bullied. Afraid of new things. Afraid of failure. Afraid of dreaming. In fact, I want to live in a world where people are actually celebrated for their differences, just as I celebrate mine!
Do you want to live in that world? Do you want to join me in "being the change"?
I believe we can be the generation that makes it happen! That's why I'm taking a stand for acceptance and inclusion. And I'm hoping that everyone will join me.
Special Olympics is an organization that celebrates differences and gives people of all abilities the chance to be a champion and a star. At the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015, the whole world will have a chance to show that they too stand up for acceptance and inclusion of all people by celebrating the joy, courage and determination of the 7,000 athletes who will participate. I am so proud and honored to be a part of this wonderful mission as a World Games Ambassador. I will continue to cheer on the athletes and stand with them as we tell those who still may say or think we can't do it, "Just watch me!"
This post is part of a series produced by The Huffington Post and the Special Olympics World Games in conjunction with the Take a Stand campaign leading up to the 2015 World Games that will take place in Los Angeles. To read all posts in the series, visit here. Learn more about the Special Olympics World Games, Los Angeles 2015 here.
Follow Lauren Potter on Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheLaurenPotter

DSR Episode #27: Inclusive Practices with Michael Remus

DSR Episode #27: Inclusive Practices with Michael Remus
Michael Remus is an expert on inclusion.  He is a parent of two children with special needs.  He has been a teacher and has written several books.  But most importantly (to me anyway), he took an entire school district into the world of full inclusion in 5 years.  Not only that, but it is showing great results and he has the data to prove it.  Michael was a super guest and told us lots of important information we can use to better the education of our children.  What a resource for the rest of us!
We learned about what inclusion means.  Inclusion means including EVERYONE in the main classroom.  However, some children will require additional support (modifications and/or accommodations).   This means that your child may need extra help in the classroom.  It may also mean that your child will work from modified materials while in the classroom.  It DOES NOT mean throwing a child in the classroom without the proper supports.