Down Wit Dat: In the News

Friday, March 1, 2013

In the News - February 2013

Every month I compile a list of the stories I post on Down Wit Dat's Facebook page. They are stories of activism, of inclusion, of advocacy, of education, of hope and of love. These are from February. It may have been a short month, but there was a lot in the news.

Legend:

AUDIO	indicates an audio clip
APPEAL	indicates an online petition or plea
BLOG	indicates a blog post
EVENT	indicates a scheduled event
LINKS	indicates links or resource materials
PHOTOS	indicates photos
STUDY	indicates a study
THREAD	indicates an online discussion thread
VIDEO	indicates a video

BLOG	Ten Little Monkeys Read more here: http://www.islandpacket.com/2012/12/01/2295922/beaufort-teen-with-down-syndrome.html#storylink=cpy
	Support flows for woman with Down syndrome mocked by radio DJ - See more at: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/01/31/support-flows-for-woman-mocked-by-radio-dj.html#sthash.ZV10BbV0.dpuf Support flows for woman with Down syndrome mocked by radio DJ Support flows for woman with Down syndrome mocked by radio DJ - See more at: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/01/31/support-flows-for-woman-mocked-by-radio-dj.html#sthash.ZV10BbV0.dpuf Support flows for woman with Down syndrome mocked by radio DJ - See more at: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/01/31/support-flows-for-woman-mocked-by-radio-dj.html#sthash.ZV10BbV0.dpuf Support flows for woman with Down syndrome mocked by radio DJ - See more at: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/01/31/support-flows-for-woman-mocked-by-radio-dj.html#sthash.ZV10BbV0.dpuf
BLOG	Living BIG in a small community
	Social Security Proposes Dropping ‘Mental Retardation’
	Down's Syndrome dance group Dance For Joy to appear on Sky One’s Got to Dance competition
	Cerebral palsy breakthrough
BLOG	On the making of things –
EVENT	Colasanti Craft Fair
BLOG	Keep Calm T-Shirts
BLOG	Celebrities Who Apologize For Using The Word Retard: Does It Do Any Good?
VIDEO	High School Wrestling Champ Shares Glory With Special Opponent
	DJ Apologizes For Mocking Woman With Disability
	Group provides support to young adults
BLOG	On rooting for nobody in the Superbowl
BLOG	Why I Cry
BLOG	John Anton on Capitol Hill
BLOG	On enlightenment –
	Sharing a Prenatal or Newborn Diagnosis
BLOG	Learning to Trust and Be Trusted
VIDEO	Down Syndrome: My Sister Kassidy
BLOG	It's a regular Halloween here everyday.
BLOG	A Bare Naked Update: Downs Side Up Uncovered
	Reader's Story - Caroline Playle
	World Down Syndrome Day
VIDEO	Indiana parents irate over daughter's duct-taped shoes
	How To Change The World
VIDEO	When Bill met Shelley: No disability could keep them apart
BLOG	What Makes it Hard
VIDEO	#VEMSEANPENN
VIDEO	Special Olympics Polar Plunge
STUDY	Mothers of special needs children needed for undergraduate survey
STUDY	Attn: Parents of Children with Down Syndrome!
VIDEO	Omaha Man Wins Walk-On Role On Mary Poppins
	Woman With Disability Battles Mother Over Independent Living
BLOG	A Very special story (for feeding tube awareness week)
BLOG	It’s Not About You –
	Jordan rolls: Senior with Down syndrome finishes season on Jackson JV bowling team
	A Game-Changing Treatment for ADHD A Game Changing Treatment for ADHD A Game-Changing Treatment for ADHD
VIDEO	Waiter who stood up for young boy with Down syndrome forwards donations to boy’s school
BLOG	Down Syndrome Uprising
	10 Tips for dressing a sensory sensitive child
BLOG	Angels and Warriors and Cancer, Oh My
BLOG	How I Will Spend Valentine’s Day
	A letter of love to my baby girl
VIDEO	Reveal the Champion Inside
BLOG	Angels With Dirty Faces –
	Stamford teen wins award for film on Down syndrome
	Abuse of 7 Year Old with Special Needs Recorded by School Intern
	Learning To Enjoy Eating (Even With Spiders)
	Robert Saylor death ruled a homicide
BLOG	My special gift
	Patrick fights Rotenberg shock therapy decree
	All the King's Fools
	A sensational breakthrough: the first bionic hand that can feel
LINKS	The Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group
	Calling all heart moms!
BLOG	What do you say when someone asks “how are you doing?”
	The Arc Responds to the Death of Maryland Man with Down syndrome
VIDEO	Worldwide Campaign to End the Institutionalization of Children
	6 Things Down Syndrome Parents Wish You Would Stop Saying
	Annual Inclusion Awards
BLOG	News flash! Hotty Has A Down Syndrome Friend!
	Love From Uncle Carl x
BLOG	What? Was I yelling?
	POLL: Judge Rotenberg Center & electric shocks
	Jack’s modelling taught me Down’s is not the end of his world ...it’s the start of a new one
BLOG	Hard Ass -
	Be a Hero!
	Councillor considers resignation over disabled comment
BLOG	Mummy Activists
BLOG	Open Letter to Colin Brewer
BLOG	Crumbs –

This month:

Down Wit Dat's Facebook page surpassed 1000 fans! Thanks to all that got the word out. Welcome to all our new friends.

Down Wit Dat - The Group , our all inclusive special needs group (along with our Facebook Page and Twitter feed) have been chosen as finalists in About.com's Readers Choice: Favorite Special Needs Online Community! You can vote for us every day, once a day (from an email address or Facebook sign in) through March 19th!

Fairytales, my post from July of last year, has been nominated for Best International Post from the SWANs.

Down Wit Dat has also been selected as a finalist in Wego Health's Health Activist: Best Kept Secret 2012.

Also, don't forget to check out a new page that I'm involved in: Down syndrome Uprising. Let's Talk!

...And that's the news. Keep the stories and information coming!

No comments :

What You Have to Say About Down Wit Dat:

"Just wanted to let you know how much I admire you. I know you fight a lot of demons, both yours and for others, yet you still maintain that fantastic sense of humor, and more importantly, fairness. You are a constant source of light in the darkness, because you are beautiful inside and out..." - S. R.

"...Wonderfully written and one thing Jen does with her writing is make you stop and think ...and think hard." - J. Toner

"Before I had my little L., I never knew anyone with down syndrome, your page has given me so much hope for my little boy, the people who post pictures of their children and the things that you post are wonderful, its made it easier for me to understand and get used to, thank you, keep doing what your doing with the good work, much appreciation. X." - L. Barnes

"Your post (and the posts of others that you linked to) actually made me tear up a little. Growing up with a brother with Downs, I actually got into fist-fights because of "that word". Hearing it used as a derisive and insulting term by people who should know better (or by those who do know better but are just looking for attention in the case of Coulter) is NEVER ok. Thank you for speaking out." - I. Thomas

"I love these history posts. This is a TON of work on your part, thank you so much!" --N. Haegele

"I don't have any children yet, and I'm not sure how I ended up reading your blog. But it is absolutely inspirational. I'm so glad Wyatt was born into your family where I am sure he can live a happy fulfilled life." --artandtourism

"Above all, Jen is an amazing mother. She is honest and real, and inspires me everyday to love my "typical" child the way he needs to be loved, respect him as a person, and not even for one single second take him, or anything for granted. She allows me to venture into her life, and care about her and her family. What dear little children she has blessed the world with. She is planting seeds, nurturing and growing her family (and extended reader family) into people who will make this world a better place. Why aren't we all more like that?" —Penny

"Jen and her family have an amazing story and mission. Jen's writing reflects the difficult and triumphant steps of life with a special needs child; twins at that, and a older sibling. Thank you for sharing your families' strength with the on-line community."--S.B.

"I think I'm a little bit in love with Jen, and if she lived down the road I might just be a blogging groupie, not because I'm a crazy stalker I hasten to add, but because the easy warmth in which she tells her story convinces you that you are simply having an easy chat with your best friend. She has a subtle wit and craft to her blog posts, they are not just splurges of untamed emotion. This enables her to not only tell her story with honesty and in an enjoyable way, she also manages to impart a message without coming across as patronising or preaching. It's a rare gift for a blog about special needs."— Renata

"Having a child with special needs can be an isolating experience -- even more so when you live half a world away from your friends and family. Due to this, the internet became my primary source of support and camaraderie with other parents in similar situations. I read dozens, if not hundreds, of blogs about being the parent of a child with T21, and though most had positive points, for the most part they just didn't 'speak' to me and what I was feeling. Then came Jen and 'Down Wit Dat'. Suddenly, I heard a voice that was in harmony with the things I was feeling and going through. Her writing is so brutally honest, while at the same time insightful and informative...not to mention FUNNY! If there has been one thing I've learned on this journey, it's the importance of keeping your sense of humour -- even when you seem to be losing your sanity. Thank you so much, Jen, for putting out there the human, REAL side of our special club -- and being a voice for those of us that are so often unheard." — Dee

"I love the honesty, Jen never glosses over the difficulties and never fails to celebrate the victories. My children are not special needs but I can always find commonalities and it has opened my eyes to the fact that people with Down syndrome are not as different from the rest of us as they might initially appear. Since I've known Jen and been reading her blog my attitudes toward respect, and what it means, have changed. "The "r" word" particularly hit home as I had been ignorant to the effects of the use of that word. I do my best to help spread the message."--Susanne

"I have been following this blog for months now. I have nothing but positive thoughts and warm fizzy feelings when reading it. My only regret is not having found this blog when it was originally started. One piece that particularly sticks out to me, was the blog about the "r" word. I don't think I have actually cried so much reading a blog that wasn't about someone dying. I printed it off and shared it with many friends, because Jen is right. She struck a nerve and made me realize that not only myself, but there are many others around me that use that word without realizing how powerful it really is. Down Wit Dat is a blog full of enthusiasm, awareness, whole heartedness, truth, encouragement, laughter, but best of all, its full of Jen, FAMILY, and a look at what having a special needs child is about. Keep writing. You're amazing!" —B. Nason

"I love Jen's take on the special hand that she and her family have been dealt. I especially love that while she shares all her son's small victories she doesn't gloss over the challenges that she and her family face. The best thing I love about Jen and her blog is that she is constant supporter of the rights and challenges of kids and adults with Down Syndrome. She has provide a lot of insight that has opened my eyes and many others. I especially loved her blog about the "r" word. It opened dialogue with my family, friends and groups that I am a part; and I am much more conscientious about the words I used to describe people"--V. Saenz-Brown

"Jen's blog is wonderful! While I do not have a down child, as a mom, I relate to the everyday struggles of just doing your best, of the struggles, the heartaches, the joys of everyday life. Jen writes in a positive and uplifting style with just the right doses of humor thrown. Great read!" —Terra

"This blog is written from the parents perspective, which is important. Jen's story is not unique, but the way she tells it, with humor and honesty is wonderfully refreshing. It brings a real perspective that people can understand and relate to, and is a resource for parents of not just Down Syndrome kids but of all kids to know that life may not be perfect but that everyone has a unique way of dealing with it."—Kimberly

"I too am the mother of a down child. It gives me great giggles, sorrow, and camaraderie to read her blog daily. I find it makes life's little challenges more bearable. She is honest, upfront and a wealth of information. And I think her attitude is one many of us share and embrace. Even if she does not win, she is a huge winner already in my book. Lots of luck and love to her and her amazing family." —L.Grassa

"I love Down Wit Dat because Jen is so honest about her experience as a parent. Jen is not afraid to write about her vulnerability, anger, fear, joy, or love. She's an amazing writer! Jen's description of her blog is so bang on! I laugh and I cry, sometimes simultaneously."—Marla

"I am currently a Disability Services major in college and for my one class we had to find a blog by a parent who has a child with a disability to follow and discuss with the class every week. I have been following your blog for a couple weeks now and I get so excited to talk about little Wyatt and what an amazing family he has and the struggles and victories that you all over come daily! Someday down the road I hope to have children and if I am granted a special needs child I can only hope that I can handle everything that comes my way as positive and good as you do! You are doing an amazing job and are a great mother! Thank you so much for sharing your story!"--Anonymous

"Your blog is incredibly inspiring. I have laughed out loud, been in tears, and everything in between! it's fabulous." -HDSSG

"If you haven't been told today... you're awesome." - Trevor

"Wyatt is fortunate to have such a mom." - Anonymous

"...Thanks for your honesty and insightful points. It helps put our own thoughts into words to pass on when we encounter the same situations." - P

"I am enjoying reading your blog. I taught preschool/education for about 35 yrs and most of it was spent in CA where there is encouraged mainstreaming. I enjoyed having special needs kids...they bring a special and fun element into the classroom! I also had a young man with Downs who was my class helper at one time...he was so much fun! I wish people knew these things....as there are preconceived ideas..." - Jenny

"I remember speaking with you when you found out about the possibility of one of the babies having some abnormalities, and you did not know how you would handle it. My response was, once the situation arises you will find ways to deal with it. I must say, you have done so well with your children, especially with Wyatt. You are not ashamed to embraced what God has blessed you with, and to share your new found info with others who might be less fortunate, and to those who might be less accepting. I am sure you have empowered many people who are in the same situation and need a little love and support. You've turned negatives into positives. I must say you are an awesome mom. Keep up the good work, it not going unnoticed." - K. Garwood

"... I just started reading from the beginning... I am intrigued. It is so incredibly well written with so much love. There were parts I would start to cry. I felt your sadness and your happiness and your passion. These children are so lucky to have you as their mother. I can't wait to read the rest of it and get caught up!!! Thank you so much for sharing your life with us! ?" - M. Laine

"Just had a few minutes to read more of the blog and I must say I LOVE it! I could not agree more that so much of the info I found as a new mom was SO depressing. I didn't jump for joy with the dex of T21 but it wasn't anything I could change so we accepted -and started to read everything we could get our hands on. Can't wait to read more..." - E. Chesnut

"I love, love LOVE your blog. Thank you for sharing your journey." - S. Wing

"I wanted to say I love your blog. You write so honestly... Thank you for writing so candidly." - M. Antushevich

"Found your page completely randomly while trying to connect with other wine blogs like myself. I do not have any kids or know anyone with Down Syndrome but your blog really captivated me. I guess that is how good it is. Keep up the good work :) " - The Frugal Tasters

"There are going to be many times when i say how courageous you are! I do not think it can be said enough, you take YOUR time to educate and inform and rid parents of their fears! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU . I wish my kids were old enough to read and understand! Hopefully one day the maturity level will be there so they can and come to appreciate life more not for the big things but for the everyday moments that will mean more than the big ones EVER will! ?" - C. Cochran

"I, too have a son name Wyatt who happens to have an extra 21st! He was born 2/15/11! Thanks for sharing your story. We're in good company : ). " - R. Scheerer

"My daughter will be 8 in Nov. Unfortunately, my parents I felt were ashamed of my daughter. If only they had gotten to know her before they passed on....." - A. Welsh

"I always enjoy your straight forward, tell it like it is posts. People need this information. They need to know how their ignorant, or often well intentioned but uninformed, words and actions are frustrating, annoying and/or hurtful." - Shayna

Friday, March 1, 2013

In the News - February 2013

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