Down Wit Dat: Blogs

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
LAWS	indicates a new piece of legislation
LINKS	indicates links or resource materials
PHOTOS	indicates photos
POLL	NEW! indicates an online survey
STUDY	indicates a study or discovery
THREAD	indicates an online discussion thread
VIDEO	indicates a video or movie

VIDEO	15 Year Old Becomes The Youngest Astrophysicist in the World
BLOG	Don’t Mix Up Empathy and Civil Rights
PHOTOS	People With Disabilities Storm House Building, Demand Boehner Leave Obamacare Alone
	TBINAA Leadership Circle NEEDS YOU!Fall/ Winter 2013/14 Positions. APPLY TODAY!
	Class-action settlement amounts to ‘hush money,’ says family of Huronia survivor
	Autism Group Plans to Protest Autism Research Fundraiser
	Too many people with disabilities live in poverty
BLOG	Guest Contribution from Alana: emotions are hard
BLOG	When we Slip and Slide - A Lament
	Police Violence and People with Disabilities
BLOG	The Problem with “Use Your Words”
BLOG	“Look At Me”
BLOG	Look
BLOG	Who We Are
	Actors With Disabilities In Big Roles? 'We Don't Have A Chance'
	Huronia institution documents to be shielded by privacy laws
	Identities of unnamed dead at Huronia Regional Centre emerge
BLOG	The Space Between
BLOG	this is why i talk about this stuff
BLOG	Feeling the Weight: Some Beginning Notes on Disability, Access and Love
	Despite Pushback, Disney Firms Up New Disability Access Policy
	The Damaging Myth of Normalcy
BLOG	Why Curing Disability Should Not Outweigh Equality
	We're not here for your inspiration
BLOG	Drawing as Non-Compliance
BLOG	Where Do You See Yourself…
BLOG	Epilepsy: Vulnerability Stays
BLOG	Internalizing What Others Believe
	'Breaking Bad's' R.J. Mitte talks disability, bullying and hope
	'60 Minutes'' shameful attack on the disabled
VIDEO	Police: school principal dragged child with Down Syndrome across concrete floor
BLOG	Ollibean Creed
BLOG	The Blurring of Diagnoses
EVENT	Superfest Disability Film Festival Presents "The Dissies"
BLOG	That Mythical, Magical Chromosome
BLOG	Beyond Down Syndrome
BLOG	Awareness, Acceptance, Advocacy, Action
	Exposing quotes that reinforce Down’s syndrome myths: The Truth
VIDEO	Riverside Cop Tricks Autistic Teen into Buying Pot
BLOG	I Will Not Model Compliance For My Child
	Voice surgery sparks ethical debate
BLOG	Why I'm Outraged
BLOG	Feminist disability studies scholar attends the NSGC
BLOG	You Don’t Have to Make Retard Jokes to be Funny! (Why doesn’t everybody know this?)
	'Get your f**** fat a up and take your own retarded daughter to school': The shocking texts a special needs bus driver sent to a mother after refusing to take her daughter with cerebral palsy to school
BLOG	Feminism and Disability Collide
BLOG	Why the Dissies?
BLOG	Disability History Gets Forgotten Each Halloween
BLOG	Passing and Disability: Why Coming Out as Disabled Can Be So Difficult
	Coming Out As...Disabled
VIDEO	That’s Not My Name – an anti hate crime anthem
BLOG	You are Not Alone
BLOG	Coming of Age in the Shadow of "Rain Man"
BLOG	Keeping it Real
BLOG	Having to Prove Competence
BLOG	Blogging
AUDIO	New Laws Give More Choice to the Developmentally Disabled
BLOG	Sincere Support
	TV Characters With Disabilities On The Rise
BLOG	Did You Know Cripples Can Do Things?: Inspiration Porn and the Ableist Commodification of Disabled Bodies
	How the iPad can turn teaching special ed ‘on its head’
POLL	Disability and Abuse Project
BLOG	About DWD
BLOG	For New Parents...
BLOG	T-21 Blog Hop
BLOG	Cracked Article is Unusual Type of Inspiration Porn
BLOG	The Trouble with Treating “Behaviors”
	Canadians with Intellectual Disabilities Ready, Willing & Able to Create an Inclusive and Effective Labour Market
	Hiding in Plain Sight: Diagnosis Barriers for Autistic Women and Girls
	I was diagnosed with autism at 40
BLOG	Shunning, Shaming, Renaming
BLOG	What Fuels the Helicopter?
BLOG	It's the Night of the Living Stim #LvngStm #FF
BLOG	Announcing the Turn: a blog for parents of kids with disabilities
BLOG	Cartographies
VIDEO	The Shadow Listener
BLOG	Not the Lie Most Expect
VIDEO	APS staffer accused of taping autistic student's mouth shut
VIDEO	Adam Holland Lawsuit: Family Of Man With Down Syndrome Sue For $18 Million After Photo Sparks Meme
VIDEO	Bainbridge school district loses bullying lawsuit
EVENT	Welcome (Back) to the T-21 Blog Hop!
BLOG	T21 Blog Hop: Disability Acceptance
BLOG	Making a difference… and in good company
BLOG	Top Tips for Parents of a Child with a Learning Disability
BLOG	Guest Post: The Sum of One
BLOG	Humanity
BLOG	31 4 21 A Sonnet
BLOG	Hang on, I’m different
BLOG	Special Needs Round-up: ‘Awareness’ & hurtful comments
BLOG	Down Syndrome Acceptance
BLOG	Myth: All Autistics are Emotionless
BLOG	AUTISM ACCEPTANCE…(But don’t tell anyone).
BLOG	Unacceptable
BLOG	I Am a Human Being
BLOG	Falling Inbetween
BLOG	Freedom
BLOG	Awareness and Advocating to the Reasonable
BLOG	It’s Just Ketchup
BLOG	If You’ve Met One Parent With Asperger’s…
BLOG	Autistic Warriors
BLOG	Bridging The Gap Between Autism Parents and Autistic People
BLOG	The Joy of Being Wrong
BLOG	I am so OK with being wrong…
LINKS	Intersected
	Seven care workers arrested after 'dungeon' found at care home
BLOG	The Next Right Thing
BLOG	We Disabled Folk Have Everything to Offer the World — Except Normalcy
BLOG	Loving My Challenging Life with Down syndrome
BLOG	The Myth of Passing
BLOG	My Sisters. My Allies.
BLOG	November is Autistic History Month
BLOG	To Educators, Therapists & Doctors
APPEAL	Ratify the Disability Treaty
VIDEO	Something Sickening Is Happening To Some Of Our Schoolchildren, And You Probably Have No Idea
	People with a disability deserve the same rights as everyone
VIDEO	David Pitonyak on...Being Needed By The Pack
	The Disability Vote
BLOG	November: Autistic History Month
BLOG	Advocacy
BLOG	How We Discuss Our Children
BLOG	Virtuous Strength
BLOG	A unique stink
BLOG	A Brief History of Down Syndrome, Part 1: How Down syndrome Got its Name
BLOG	A Brief History of Down Syndrome, Part 2: Before John Langdon Down
BLOG	A Brief History of Down Syndrome, Part 3: All In the Family
BLOG	Autistic Hands
BLOG	A Brief History of Down syndrome, Part 4: The Roots of Institutionalization and Eugenics
BLOG	A Brief History of Down syndrome, Part 5: From Education to Eugenics
BLOG	A Brief History of Down syndrome, Part 6: From Eugenics to Extermination
BLOG	A Brief History of Down syndrome - Part 7: Abused, Neglected, Forgotten
BLOG	Outing The Prejudice: Making The Least Dangerous Assumption
	The 5 Scariest Autism 'Treatments'
VIDEO	22 Year Old With Down Syndrome Beaten By The Police For "Bulge In Pants" That Was Only A Colostomy Bag!
BLOG	We Are Not Your Token Humans
	Is boasting about less SEN pupils appropriate for a job advert?
	Debate rages after Brighton Secondary College stops girl with Asperger's syndrome from going on overseas camp
BLOG	Autism is Not Like Cancer
	Stevenage Down’s syndrome pupil left behind on school trip
VIDEO	Strathcona County couple who caged disabled sister jailed (with video)

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
LAWS	indicates a new piece of legislation
LINKS	indicates links or resource materials
PHOTOS	indicates photos
POLL	NEW! indicates an online survey
STUDY	indicates a study or discovery
THREAD	indicates an online discussion thread
VIDEO	indicates a video or movie

	Why People Have Such High Expectations of Parents of Children with Special Needs
	Disabled rally to criticize difficult living conditions
	I have Down syndrome and run my own business
VIDEO	“Don’t give up”: With family’s help, Latina with autism is in college, pursuing career
	Book shows how to design a home for all ages, abilities
BLOG	Disabled People As A Test of Character: The Guinness Commercial
BLOG	Ode to the Stim: the printable sequel
	'Of course we will help her at home, but I want to be Emer's mam, not her teacher'
LINKS	Disability Studies Quarterly
BLOG	Smoochie Paraplegic Cat: When Disability Tropes Take on a Life of Their Own
VIDEO	Mom says wheelchair-bound daughter has no access to transportation
	Transition Focus Of New Documentary On PBS
VIDEO	Robert "Ethan" Saylor's Family will deliver petition signatures to Governor
VIDEO	Public School Offers $86K to Keep Autistic Boy Out
	Survey Finds Disability Abuse Widespread
	Few Young Adults With Autism Living Independently
	Parents, school district resolve dispute over service dog, allergic teacher
BLOG	Defending The R-Word Bodies and Behaviors
POLL	Should the governor open an independent investigation into the death of Robert Ethan Saylor?
BLOG	Walk In Their Shoes: Attempted Murder of Autistics: Issy Stapleton
	Action Alert: Contact Governor O’Malley of Maryland to Demand an Independent Investigation Regarding the Death of Ethan Saylor - See more at: http://www.ndss.org/About-NDSS/Newsroom/Recent-News/Action-Alert-Ethan-Saylor-Update/#sthash.2UoMhRDE.dpuf Duncan wants to end test for disabled students that California overused
BLOG	Revolution! Is there anything we can do to prevent parents murdering their disabled children?
BLOG	I Am Now Officially a Bitter Crip!
BLOG	On violence, and gerrymandering, and murder.
BLOG	Nasty Comments Got Me Thinking
BLOG	Are You Being Ableist? You Might Be Surprised
BLOG	What Inclusivity Means
BLOG	Why So Many Fail to Understand Systemic Oppression
BLOG	Dehumanizing
	Unfinished Business: portraying disability in Indigenous Australia
BLOG	Dirty Words: Autism Lingo Like A Person
BLOG	Justifying Actions
BLOG	Yours, Mine and Ours: autism, self-advocacy, and setting limits
VIDEO	Adopted girl says mother forced her to dig her own grave
	Saints, Sages, and Victims: Endorsement of and Resistance to Cultural Stereotypes in Memoirs by Parents of Children with Disabilities
VIDEO	The Stream : Deconstructing disability
	Toronto police pushed man out of wheelchair, rights complaint alleges
BLOG	Reflective Practice
	Evidence Lacking On Transition Programs
VIDEO	New Analysis: DC taxis warned each other during WUSA9 blind passenger test
BLOG	Aspergers unmasked
BLOG	Disability as Disaster
BLOG	Drawing No Lines
BLOG	The Right to Mourn
BLOG	Beyond The Gift
BLOG	Doing Social Justice: Thoughts on Ableist Language and Why It Matters
BLOG	No You Don’t
LINKS	OpeningOntario’s “Saddest Chapter:” A Social History of HuroniaRegional Centre
LINKS	Apps for Students With LD: Having Fun
LINKS	Canadian Journal of Disability Studies
BLOG	On the Topic of Violence…
	Fighting For A New Heart
APPEAL	Help My Autistic Son Get a Life-Saving Heart Transplant
VIDEO	Police: Couple kept disabled daughter locked in bathroom, basement
	“Silencing” the extra 21st chromosome
EVENT	Forum: "Introduction of Tactile Currency in America"
VIDEO	B.C. woman with muscular dystrophy stuck in a care home due to government red tape
BLOG	Disability as the Ultimate Insult
	IT IS WRONG TO MURDER YOUR AUTISTIC CHILD
BLOG	Get Out!
VIDEO	"History makes the person." - Dave Hingsburger
	Police and school staff sued for beating and Tasering 12-year-old deaf boy
	Are the Lives of People with Disabilities Seen as Less Worthy?
BLOG	Sincere Support
CASE	An update on the Huronia Regional Class Action Suit
	After woman finds offensive phrase inside bottle cap, Coca-Cola cancels Canadian promotion
BLOG	Reflections on an Inconstant Life: My Eight Year Blogiversary
BLOG	Autistic Twins
AUDIO	Mother says autism intolerance more common than people think
BLOG	Intent... not magic
BLOG	The Conversation That Isn’t
BLOG	Hyperlexia and Echolalia: He Owns His Words
	Disney Taking Away Line-Skipping For Disabled Guests Because Some People Are Jerks
	4 Countries With the Right Approach to Dementia Care
	How To Help Sensory Sensitivity Angela Bachiller, the World’s First Person with Down Syndrome to Hold Public Office
	School ruined education of special-needs son, dad says
	Older people with autism in Scotland 'invisible'
	If A Parent Murders An Autistic Child, Who Is To Blame?
	#heardwhilstdisabled: Things said to disabled people
BLOG	Enforcing Shame Through Ableism
	5 Things You Might Not Know About Dyscalculia
BLOG	bits and pieces
BLOG	Two Little Girls
	The 2013 VATTA Committee
	Spectacular Underwater Acrobatics Using a Self-Propelled Wheelchair
VIDEO	The Loud Hands Project
BLOG	I’m Not Here for Your Inspiration, and Neither is Michael J. Fox
BLOG	To the International Paralympic Committee: Let Victoria Arlen Compete
	Intervention: Damaging for Autistic Children
	Different
	PAKISTAN: Focus on rat-children
	A Code For Pirates

Thursday, November 21, 2013

The T-21 Blog Hop - November 2013

Thursday, November 7, 2013

In the News - October 2013

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

In the News - September 2013

About Me

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

Countdown to Surgery

Surgical Suite

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