Down Wit Dat: In the News

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

AUDIO	indicates an audio clip
APPEAL	indicates an online petition or plea
BLOG	indicates a blog post
CASE	indicates a lawsuit or proceedings
EVENT	indicates a scheduled event
IMAGE	indicates a graphic, image or comic
LAWS	indicates a new piece of legislation
LINKS	indicates links or resource materials
PHOTOS	indicates photos
POLL	indicates an online survey
POST	indicates an advocacy statement made through social media
PRESS	indicates a press release
QUOTE	indicates a meaningful quote
STUDY	indicates a study or discovery
THREAD	indicates an online discussion thread
VIDEO	indicates a video or movie clip
VLOG	indicates a video blog post

BLOG	Why I Fight For Inclusion For My Kid (and Your Kid, Too)
	Learning With Disabilities: One Effort To Shake Up The Classroom
	Facebook Is Throttling Nonprofits and Activists
IMAGE	"Being complicit in ableism is what allows it to continue. If this isn't about you, then..."
BLOG	Scared? Me? Kind Of. Its Open Season on the Disabled.
	Sheltered Workshops
	‘It wasn’t fair’: Why an Ontario school isn’t letting a sick girl go to prom
	College Access for Students with Intellectual Disabilities is in jeopardy
BLOG	The neurodiversity fence
IMAGE	"Disability deserves the same attention as other civil rights struggles."
	It's time to stop using the 'R' word
POLL	AWN Survey for Autistic Women
IMAGE	Your favorite pages are not gone they are just hidden
IMAGE	One Example of CBE...
IMAGE	“I don't even understand why it's surprising that when a child is told persistently, and by..."
BLOG	Putting the "Health" Back in "Mental Health"
BLOG	Motherhood: Now and Zen
BLOG	Forgetting not an option: Horrors at Willowbrook State School remembered at annual CSI lecture
VIDEO	Sh*t People Say To Non-Verbal Peeps
IMAGE	“Functioning Labels Are: Arbitrary, Ableist, Limiting, Meaningless, Dehumanizing..."
BLOG	You Are Not Alone
BLOG	I never meant for you to know
BLOG	Just Another Typical Comedian, Daniel Tosh
BLOG	“Rethinking Your Beliefs About Autism”
EVENT	The T-21 Blog Hop - May 2014 - Advocacy Rewind
BLOG	"She Won't Get Anything Out of It" and Other Mainstreaming Blunders
IMAGE	"Speak up. If it doesn't come from us, it comes from people who don't have an intellectual..."
BLOG	Autism, Competence, Adding Kemal to Mustafa
BLOG	Picking Rocks
BLOG	On beauty
BLOG	What not to say
BLOG	DISABILITY AS AN IDENTITY
BLOG	You Are Not Alone
BLOG	"I Don't Care About You": Thoughts on Accessibility and Disability Sensitivity
BLOG	A different kind of Autism Awareness: We are here, Be Aware.
BLOG	Privilege
	7 Reasons Why an Autism Advocacy Organization Would Oppose the Combating Autism Act
BLOG	When He Grows Up
BLOG	Proud To Be A Grad School Drop-Out: #AutismPositivity2014
BLOG	Intellectual Disability and a Path to Overcoming Stigma: My Conversation with Sam
BLOG	Pass The CRPD ... For Spite
BLOG	I Am More Than An Empty Wheelchair: Speaking Up Against Ableism
BLOG	4 Lessons Peacocks Can Teach Us About Advocacy
BLOG	My Plan B is… Stick to Plan A!!
BLOG	I’m Not Here for Your Inspiration, and Neither is Michael J Fox
IMAGE	"Inclusive: It does NOT mean "If you want to participate, conform to the cultural/social..."
	Cops: Autistic student abused with push pin
APPEAL	Withdraw the police caution given to my 19-year-old with Downs Syndrome.
BLOG	The Narcissistic Parent of the Special Needs Child
BLOG	"Autistic people are significantly more likely to be bullied and stigmatised than they are to..."
BLOG	Birds and why they're sometimes flipped
BLOG
BLOG	Flash Blog: Autism is Not a Crime
BLOG	Statement on Isla Vista Murder Incident
	A Revolutionary Approach to Treating PTSD
IMAGE	"Aspergers is:" "Not having friends, Being withdrawn, A lack of empathy and..."
	Councillor accused of complaining that voter with learning difficulties 'shouldn't be voting' in local elections
VIDEO	Children of Darkness
	Autism, allyship and Autism Speaks
BLOG	VIDEO: School cop fired for beating child with cerebral palsy, dumping him out of wheelchair
BLOG	“Are You Even Capable of Running This Program?” : A Response by Sonia Boue.
	Sexuality

Saturday, June 7, 2014

In the News - May 2014

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(The Increasingly Inaccurately Named) "A Brief History of Down syndrome" Series

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