There is a young woman, Eliza Schaaf, who enrolled in a ceramics class at Southern Oregon University and received a letter after attending two-thirds of the sessions saying that she was not longer able to participate. The letter stated that she was a distraction and did not meet the academic qualifications of the University.  However, Eliza was auditing the class and every student in the class signed a petition asking for her reinstatement citing that she brought a lot to the class and was not a distraction/disruption.

Over the weekend, Eliza received another letter from the Dean of Students at SOU upholding the decision.

This situation has created quite a stir and rightfully so......it will be interesting to see how this might affect policies at other universities and the growth of programs for individuals with disabilities.

Here are some links to the news stories as well as Eliza's website that documents her reasons for joining the class and the support that she has received from the student body and community:

http://www.dailytidings.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101119/NEWS02/11190305
http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101122/NEWS07/11220340/-1/NEWSMAP
http://www.elizaschaaf.com/

Let me know what you think and if you know of any programs at the local universities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Down Syndrome Pregnancy is a non-profit that works to support that have found out that their child has Down syndrome while they are still pregnant and have chosen to keep the baby.  The have a free downloadable e-book as well as a regularly updated blog.  This would be probably also be a valuable resource for new parents of a child with Down syndrome. The web address is http://downsyndromepregnancy.org/ and this informaition is also posted on the New and Expectant Parents page.

Hey Everyone!

This may be your first visit to Fabulous with 47 and I am excited to say that the basics are done!  I would like photos of your children with Down syndrome (if you're willing to share and have them posted) to put on the website.  You can email them to me at [email protected] and I will post them throughout the site and be sure to send you the link to where they are after they are posted! 

Enjoy the site and be sure to send me feedback on what can be improved.

Catherine

I found this while I was compiling information from the website and it is pretty awesome!  I put in an application yesterday so I will certainly post if/when I receive the kit.  Auggie is a little young, but perhaps his brothers' "instruction" will help him to get the hang of it.....

I think it is fantastic that the Special Olympics is helping to facilitate athletics and support families before the minimum age to start the Special Olympics! 

Here is the link to the Young Athletes Play Kit: http://www.somd.org/component/content/article/3-home/202.html

Once I get the kit, it would be neat to get the kiddos together to see what they could all do together!