• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

FACT Oregon

Empowering families experiencing disability.

  • Home
  • Need help?
    • Comprehensive Distance Learning
    • COVID-19 Response and Resources
    • Community Building
    • Developmental Disability Services
    • Just for Youth
    • New to Disability
    • Preparing for Adulthood
    • Special Education
    • Support Line
  • What we do
    • All Ability Tri4Youth
    • Feature Stories
    • Dream To Go Far Storybook
    • Newsletters
    • Person-centered One Page Profiles
    • Professional Development
    • Regional Learning Summits
    • Support Line
    • Upcoming Trainings
    • Online Trainings
  • Who we are
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Board
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    • Mission, Vision & Values
    • Reach & Impact
    • Staff
  • Get involved
    • Become a Monthly Donor
    • Corporate and Foundation Support
    • Log in to your Account
    • Special Events
      • All Ability Tri4Youth
      • Dream Big Dreams
      • Regional Learning Summits
    • Subscribe to our Newsletter
    • Volunteer
      • Apply to be a volunteer!
  • Donate
  • En Español
    • Reportajes en Español
    • Boletín Informativo

Small Steps Can Lead to Big Changes in Campus Culture

January 16, 2019 by Molly Williamson

By Jennifer Perry

A few months ago, I posted on Facebook about how we received a formal complaint against my daughter, Anna, from another student at school. The principal called me into her office to inform me of what was going on and she reassured me that Anna was protected by her IEP and that she hadn’t done anything wrong. While meeting with the principal, I mentioned to her how I was thinking about asking Anna’s Gen Ed teacher to show a video called “Just like you” to inform the students about Down Syndrome.

With a friend’s help, I made a flyer for all the 4th-grade teachers to hand out to the students explaining who Anna was. We ended up going into three of the four 4th grade classrooms with Anna. We showed the video then had the kiddos go around and say what they liked about Anna and ask her questions. I am so very grateful that we did this as it helped educate the students about Down Syndrome, so they could understand it better. The things that students liked about Anna were amazing to hear.

Here are a few comments from 4th graders:

  • Beautiful as a butterfly
  • Helps Everybody
  • Good friend
  • Treats people nice
  • Very smart
  • Polite
  • Makes friends easily
  • Inspirational that you’re always yourself (this is my favorite one)

One student said that they never knew what caused Down Syndrome. A few students asked Anna what it was like having Down Syndrome. Anna’s SpEd teacher responded back saying, “Well, it’s like asking you what it is like being you”!

The students were very interested in learning about Down Syndrome and this experience helped them understand it and Anna better. This mama now wants to reach out to other schools to have them educate students about Down Syndrome as well! It was important for me to share this story, as I wanted to share what it meant for us to turn a negative into a positive. As a result of educating all the 4th graders, even more students are saying “hi” to Anna in the halls and playing with her at recess.

Filed Under: General

You are here: Home / General / Small Steps Can Lead to Big Changes in Campus Culture

Primary Sidebar

Comprehensive Distance Learning Resources

FACT Oregon is here for you. Please visit our Comprehensive Distance Learning page for resources during the 2020-21 school year.


Email your Support Request


Call the Support Line
(503) 786-6082


Register for
Trainings & Events


Order Dream To Go Far Books


Donate


Login


Subscribe to our Newsletter

FACT Oregon empowers families experiencing disability in their pursuit of a whole life by expanding awareness, growing community, and equipping families.

Follow FACT Oregon

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram

Footer

Expand Awareness

  • Disability is natural
  • Self-determination
  • High expectations

 

Grow Community

  • Access activities
  • Engage neighborhoods
  • Develop relationships
  • Signup for our Newsletter

 

Equip Families

  • Prepare and inform
  • Support and advise
  • Provide resources

FACT Oregon
2475 SE Ladd Ave. Suite 430
Portland, OR 97214

(503) 786-6082 or 1 (888)-988-3228

FacebookTwitterInstagram

  • Contact
  • Accessibility
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy

FACT Oregon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in good standing with the State of Oregon, EIN 36-4533809.
Copyright © 2014-2018 FACT Oregon · Site by Bozz Media