Ruby's Inclusion Story

www.rubysrainbo...
One of my biggest fears after we found out Ruby had Down Syndrome was how the world was going to perceive her. Would they accept, love and value her? Would she be included and valued in all aspects of her life? And what did her future have in store for her?
I wanted so desperately for the world to see what I saw in my daughter….that she was a smart, determined , funny (dare I say hilarious) and most of all CABABLE little human that will do great things and bring so much into her community. I wanted to shout from the rooftops her worth and know that she would be seen as someone who will contribute to society and make it a better place.
My hubby and I decided very early on that she would be fully included in all aspects of life, family and community…and also education.
She may have some learning differences, but she was capable of more than the world gave her credit for…and deserved the same education as her big sis.
Right now she has been fully included at her elementary school since pre-k, and is totally rockin’ the first grade.
I believe having this expectation of her at a very early age (since birth, really) has been a huge factor in her success. I also so deeply believe inclusion benefits EVERYONE, not just the person being included.
We all learn from each other and we all bring something different and unique to the table. We are so lucky in the fact that the school our girls attend (just by chance!) is just as passionate about inclusion as we are.
Some families and educators have to fight for what this school just does naturally, and believe me, I DO NOT for a second take that for granted.
So many parents ask me what inclusion can look like and we decided to take a sneak peek into what a day of inclusion looks like for Ruby. We talk with her teachers, principal and therapists and show what an impact-not only her peers have on her- but how much Ruby herself contributes and brings into the classroom…and life!
We hope this can be used as tool for both parents and educators alike to see the benefits of inclusion and having different learning styles and people of all abilities in the classroom.
I also know and understand that inclusion on any level looks different for everyone. Please know this is our experience and I share this in hopes of people all over the world seeing the value in including people of all types of disabilities more and more in their everyday lives. They are worthy and deserve it…and if the expectation is raised I believe ALL the world will be changed for the better!
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