We need volunteers for the walk & picnic

Committee Member #1 – Public Relations
• Responsible for creating a Save the Date card and brochure;
• Contact media sources about the event;
• Distribute PSAs to local media outlets;
• Create media kits for the day of event and
...• Schedule interviews for radio, TV and newspapers;
• Report on media coverage to committee

Committee Member #2 – Sponsorship/Donations
• Responsible for developing sponsorship proposals;
Highlight successes of last year’s event and be well versed in the event’s goals and missions so that they can speak on behalf of the organization to secure product donation/financial contributions.

Committee Member #3 – Community Outreach
• Create and distribute posters and flyers;
• Set-up appointments with schools, local disability organizations and corporations to promote team participation and hospitals or other social service centers.

Committee Member #4– Volunteer Coordinator
• Responsible for writing up where volunteers are needed and descriptions of tasks;
• Recruiting volunteers;
• Hosting a volunteer orientation:
• Assign specific volunteer responsibilities;
• Manage volunteers the day of the event.

DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS WALK & PICNIC

PODS Angels is a Down syndrome not for profit family support group supplying newborn packets to all the local hospitals free of charge, on line and in person support, mini conferences and supportive events with the annual Holiday party a huge success.
The walk has a registration fee per family or per person Early registration recommended.

Cape Coral’s newest neighborhood park is 3 acres and features a large pavilion with BBQ grill..., basketball courts, covered playground area, and perimeter pathway for walking, exercising, etc. Extensive landscaping, including the only remaining banyan tree in Cape Coral, makes this an excellent place to stop and enjoy the great outdoors.

Walk details:

Early T-shirt Pick-up
All pre-registered walkers may pick up their t-shirt on Saturday, October 16th from 10 am to 3 pm at the event site.
Register by September 15th and save $5! Plus be guaranteed a t-shirt.

DAY OF WALK
If you are pre-registered, go directly to registration to check-in and pick up your t-shirt.
If you are registering on event day, please bring your completed registration form and payment to the registration tent. T-shirts will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis as supplies last

Saturday, October 23, 2010 at Paul Sanborn Park, Cape Coral, Florida.
SW FL PODS Angels; Step Up 4 DOWN SYNDROME Walk is a wheel-friendly 1-mile pledge walk to increase public awareness and acceptance, and raise funds to support programs and services for people in our community with Down syndrome.

Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does or just want to show your support, come and join the Walk. Anyone can be a buddy! This is what it's all about! Meet your Buddy (person with Down syndrome) or team in front of the pavilion at 9:40 am for the opening ceremony, then walk.
During the walk, teams will be judged on spirit. So create motivational signs or banners with your Buddy or team name to show off during the walk. Spirit judges will be located in the park around the track to select the winning teams or Buddies. Return to the pavilion at 12:00 pm for the presentation of the 2010 Spirit Award winners.


Please join us so we can reach our goal for this year's walk – $10,000.00! Support the STEP UP 4 DOWN SYNDROME Walk – a special celebration of life, love, and the full potential of all within our community.


Event Details
8th Annual SW Florida Walk
Click Here for Event Details PDF
Location:
2310 SE 3rd Street
Cape Coral, Florida 33990 mapquest

Parking available at the Park

Day of Event Schedule:

Time Event
9:00 a.m. Registration and Pre-Walk activities
9:40 a.m. Opening Ceremonies
9:50 a.m. Warm-up
10:00 a.m. Walkers will head off onto course
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Post Event Activities


Planned course:
Travel approximately one mile around park course. Our wheel-friendly course at the park is perfect for family and friends! Pre-Event and Post-Event activities will take place throughout the park.

(insert map)

Registration:
Registration is necessary! You can register as an individual, family or as part of a team that you can start yourself or join another. Register Here and feel free to contact the SW FL PODS Angels at 239-872-4778 if you have any questions or need assistance.

Entertainment:
Inflatables
mascott ??? costume
???
???
and much much more

Event Reminders:
The STEP UP 4 DOWN SYNDORME Walk will take place rain or shine! Sorry, no refunds will be given.
Registration Forms must be postmarked by October 07, 2010

Free activities for toddlers to teenagers including: carnival games, crafts, face painting, young athletes’ area, obstacle course, karaoke, a dance party and more. Food and beverage will also be available for purchase.
Dance Party 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Dance …Dance ….Dance…..Dance your shoes off in front of the stage or try your voice at karaoke. If dancing or singing is not your thing…sit back, relax and be prepared to be entertained.

Silent Auction and Raffles 11:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Silent auction and raffle items include team baskets of varying themes, tickets to shows and sporting events, memorabilia, baskets of cheer, and more. Raffle tickets are 1 for $2 or an arm's length for $10. Auctions and raffles close at 12:30pm. Winners will be posted at 12:45 and are welcome to pick up their prizes at that time.
Donations of silent auction items and raffle baskets are always welcome. Contact swflpodsangels@msn.com to donate.

BE INCLUDED... BE INVOLVED... BE INSPIRED!

www.AtlantaDSAA.org CONFERENCE

The Downsed Conference in Atlanta September 9-11, 2010. Please share this information with your clients and staff. This conference will provide high quality, evidence - based guidance and information for professionals and families and is relevant for students with who are visual learners as well as those who have Down Syndrome.



As a parent of a small child with Down Syndrome who already attended this conference, I cannot convey enough what a positive and informative opportunity this was for me. We hope that you, your staff and parents will take advantage of this Easy Coast conference and join us in September. Spaces are limited and discount rates are in effect until July 1st. Visit our website to register today @ the Downsed Conference in Atlanta September 9-11, 2010. Please share this information with your clients and staff. This conference will provide high quality, evidence - based guidance and information for professionals and families and is relevant for students with who are visual learners as well as those who have Down Syndrome.



I am happy to answer any questions and can be reached at mmcnichols@comcast.net



Thank you for your assistance!



Fondly,



Mary McNichols

.

For all our families.....this hangs in my home

SPECIAL ANGEL
(Down Syndrome Birth)

by Sandy Eakle


As beautiful angels wings were
flying over the streets of gold,
the baby angels could only
watch since they weren't very old.

Then one day God stopped to
talk to a little one without wings,
He said, "your day has come.......
just listen to the angels sing".

Confused yet excited the little
one said to the Lord,
"But I'm different from the others
God and not a miracle to behold".

"Oh, but yes you are," He said
with a hug and smile on his face.
"You're the greatest gift I can give
and a loving home you will grace".

You mean, tho I'm different and
will never be beautiful or smart
Someone will want me and give
me a place in their heart?"

"Gee God.....that person must be
special to be glad to have me,
Cause most folks would frown
and upset they would be."

God said, "your little heart was
filled with more love than most.
Cause I knew this family would
love you and hold you real close.

So go my little angel and take
the greatest gift I can bestow.
You're that "special" angel few
people have the honor to know."

Successful Day in Naples (May monthly meeting)

The meeting in Naples was a success much to the efforts of our hosting Mom, Holly. She located a spot perfect off Rt 41 and the setting was great. She had lunch items with a huge cake celebrating the many new births of children having Down syndrome.

Kelle Hampton spoke of her journey in a way we all felt compelled to enter her life through her words on how she turned the key of life and learned how wonderful having her Baby girl join their home/family... check out her blog as it is so empowering to hear her speak, read her words. amazing photos to hold you captive.

Elaina gave a perfect overview of Early steps and how the program helped her with her two children who both have Down syndrome. She also shared her story of how having baby number two also having Down syndrome took her life into unmeasurable miracles she shared some personal moments and gave light to how normal our life's really are.

Nancy captured the older parents as they hug on for education tips as their baby's who had everything handed to them in the zero to three ages seems to be a "black hole" in the 3 to 5 year old phase. She shared how a typical child care setting not set in a special way for special needs was her salvation for her daughter 11 and a half years ago. How she took opportunities like horse therapy for her daughter when she was only 2 years old to gain therapy experiences like non other. A wealth of information we plan to re-visit over time. The key is to document all our children CAN DO, as so many reports from school age years tell us what they can not do.... all great advice.

I enjoyed seeing all the new baby's and Young children with their mommies and especially to see the "nursing" of our baby's is amazing..THANK YOU MOMS! My heart is always filled after these touching moments. The day ended with an overnight in a Naples hotel with Nancy and her children. Great interactions with other hotel guests brought much awareness.

See you at June's meeting which is being held in South Ft Myers, Carl Drew's Center.

Saturday May 8th, monthly support meeting

MAY 2010 DOWN SYNDROME

Southwest Florida

support group meeting



Subject: Learning your child has Down syndrome

AND where you go from there thru transition; 3-5 yrs old



Location:

Fellowship Hall

Grace Lutheran Church

860 Banyan Blvd

Naples, Florida 34102

SPEAKERS
Kelle Hampton, Blogger/Mom
Eliana Tardio, Author/Mom
Nancy Harris, Advocate/Mom

May 8th 2010

3:00 to 5:00 PM



Please join us, social networking built into the meeting

20!! TWENTY!! yes, 20 new parent packets to Hospitals

challenging behaviors program

Parents of children age 3 to 6 with challenging behaviors....FDLRS is offering a free 5-week training course on challenging behaviors based on the Center for Social Emotional Foundations for Early Learning. It will be taught by one of their PK specialists, Tiffany Fairchild, and will include opportunity for practice and coaching/feedback with specific strategies for managing & preventing challenging behaviors. The class will meet on Wednesdays at the Lee County Public Education Center from 5:30-8pm on April 28, May 5, May 12, May 19, and June 9. Contact Jennifer Smith at 337-8162 or jenniferasm@leeschools.net if you're interested. I am sure others who would benefit would not be turned away.

Show your teachers you care

Teacher Appreciation week is May 3-May 7, 2010!


PEAK Parent Center offers Colorado families a way to honor those who teach children with disabilities by providing free certificates of appreciation. Any parent of a child with a disability can nominate their child's teachers, paraprofessional, or principal. This complimentary color certificate is suitable for framing and will be emailed to parents to present to their nominees. Nominees will also be recognized on the PEAK Parent Center website! Don't miss out on this opportunity to let those who go "Above and Beyond" know that you appreciate their efforts!

Please contact PEAK Parent Center by email at spangallo@peakparent.org with the following information:

* Nominee's name (how you'd like it to appear on the certificate)
* Nominee's school
* Child and parent's name
* Parent's email address


Thanks to all the great Colorado families and educators!

PEAK Parent Center

Emma welcomes new baby at Health Park... another beautiful Angel born

DESIGNER GENE CLUB, CAPE CORAL members only

NEED A BUILDING!!
centrally located in the Cape, box shape building easy to cool, low amount of windows for theft deterrent, large parking lot.
JOINT VENTURE SW FL PODS Angels and COMMUNITY PATHWAYS

Name: "DESIGNER GENE CLUB"

We can have play groups in conjunction with Early Steps; 0-3 yrs

Head Start 3 to 5 yrs DAY HOURS/ 10 am during the week

Music Therapy brought in
visual therapy brought in
sensory integration times
arts and crafts
dance therapy
YOGA
SOCIAL SKILLS
off site trips to local attractions (bowling, parks, arts/ science, tour job sites, etc)
Make up training/ personal Hygiene skills


"youth group" kids 6 to 10


"In betweeners" ages 11 to 15


"P.A.L.S." 16 to 21 year olds

"Adults" 22 yrs and above

DANCES for New Years, Valentine's; Spring and FAll


Large parking lot for garage sales, BBQ's, car washes, fundraisers ... Fire truck visits, Bike riding skills, basket ball hoops

Inside
pool tables, ping pong, game tables pin ball etc anything we can get donated....

Tutoring
computer lab, talk to Lee county schools for support to match Lee County education programs
Family Game nights, get EA games and HASBRO to donate
Respite night, get a grant written and APD to support , annual $3,000.00 from Kiwanis donation
after school club
a girl scout troop and boy scout troop based at club 2 nights a month
4H club based out of club 2 nights a month
Youth Kiwanis night 2 nights a month
FUTURE VPK??? morning program 9 am to 1 pm.
Full kitchen, laundry for self help skills training
small shelf (like grocery) mini checkout lane for teaching cash register skills/scan skills for job training.


Get a small area for food sales; drinks, sub sandwich, popcorn, items either ready to eat or microwavable.

Talk to the sheriff's dept about their alert/search alarm bracelets.... or the hospital about the bands and safety alarm not to get out of the building.

Use community service hour High School and college students to offer in house supervision and security on top of Community pathways contract services.


WE REQUIRE MEMBERSHIP

Application, releases, current physical on file with up to date shot records and a copy of their IEP and support plans..


Funded by Medicaid, APD waiver dollars, donations and grants.
Get a PIZZA contract for PIZZA night
Get COKE or PEPSI to sponsor a fountain and donate product
PUBLIX for breads and treats (WE ALREADY HAVE)We need 2 deep freezers and a locked food pantry

MAY DOWN SYNDROME SUPPORT GROUP MEETING

MAY 2010 DOWN SYNDROME

Southwest Florida

support group meeting



Subject: Learning your child has Down syndrome

AND where you go from there thru transition; 3-5 yrs old



Location:

Fellowship Hall

Grace Lutheran Church

860 Banyan Blvd

Naples, Florida 34102

SPEAKERS
Kelle Hampton, Blogger/Mom
Eliana Tardio, Author/Mom
Nancy Harris, Advocate/Mom

May 8th 2010

3:00 to 5:00 PM



Please join us, social networking built into the meeting



June meeting: The Elementary School years, Why Inclusion???

June 10th 2010 6:00 to 7:30 PM / childcare provided $5.00 per family

Carl Drew's Center, 18412 Lee Rd, Ft Myers, Florida 33912



Mary Beth Pringle
SW Florida PODS Angels
(Parents of Down syndrome)
Family Support Group, inc.
501(c)(3) organization
3422 SE 11th Place
Cape Coral, Florida 33904
(239) 872-4778
Pringleclan@msn.com
http://downsyndromeangels.blogspot.com/

New baby Cape Hospital, care pkg delivered

Emma was excited to help mommy deliver the book.

Some catch up on here.

Mom chose parenting, YEAH!! She is coming over Thursday to get some materials to read up on. Because she is a mere 21 yr old mommy I have matched her to our other young mommy Holly who also breast feeds and will help with those issues if they come up. Our new mommy (6 mos pregnant) read on line it is difficult if not impossible to breast feed a baby with Down syndrome. Holly, well Brooke is and Holly explains Brooke has made it her job. Very cool.

The meeting for May 8th has been falling into place. I have many many donations of inspirational materials to give all the new families. It is going to be an awesome get together.

I call to get hospital clearance to move little Brown's case to come to the US for medical and we pray little Miss Haiti is located so that her heart can be repaired. If she can not be located, I pray it is because another country picked it up and she is well somewhere here on earth.

I am not sure I posted but a 23 yr old mom delivered way too early last Tuesday and her baby with Down syndrome is doing OK, although could use all our prayers as they live in NICU for at least another 7 weeks.

SAVE THE DATE: MAY 8th

We are offering a long over due local mini conference for families with children having Down syndrome. May 8th in Naples, FL The location has not been confirmed although within the week we will have this information. It will start at 2 pm with the opening guest speaker: Blogger Mom Kelle Hampton sharing how she learned her child's diagnosis.

Early Steps 0 to 3 year olds services and supports

Advocate for 3 to 5 year olds school/medical...

This will be a series of over the life span...

JUNE meeting will be held in South Ft Myers moving the topic to Elementary School years.

JULY IS NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME CONFERENCE IN ORLANDO

August: HANG ON! Middle/High School years

September: Transition to the workforce and prep for October, National Down Syndrome Awareness month

OCTOBER: National Down syndrome Awareness Event.

321 Spaghetti Dinner and 321 BIKE 4 DS Sunday

Lee County area has the 321 Spaghetti Dinner coming up Sunday to celebrate WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY.

Broward County aarea is celebrating with 321 BIKE 4 DS which we are excited about.

Cape Coral family, adopting 3 orphans with Down syndrome

ON Sunday's in the Pringle household some may call it Chaos; where 6 children undergo five to six hours of therapy. The addition lately has been a local family observing how therapy is presented to children with Down syndrome as soon they will expand their family of four (Mom, Dad, Nana and 2 yr old child) to that plus 3 very delayed orphans with Down syndrome needing a home of love and commitment to thrive. I was honored when they called to allow us to be a part of their journey.

Medical available for a infant/toddler with Down syndrome from Haiti

After exhausting days and nights of research, I was able to locate a Florida hospital with great heart surgeons and a civic organization willing to support the funding of a complete AV canal repair in a 1.5 year old with Trisomy 21. It has been a very uplifting journey for me to experience first hand.

The result is that we have successfully saved the life of one small child who would otherwise die in a country of need. I will keep you posted as our special Angel will be provided to us soon.

Adoption of a newborn baby girl with DS, need family

As much as we pray that Mom chooses to parent her baby, the option to place is real. She is requesting; A sincere Christian, 2 parent family (husband and wife), with 2 or 3 children. They need to have experience with Down syndrome and be open to a very open adoption plan.

Contact:
Sherry Bushnell NATHHAN / CHASK
(208) 267-6246

Share our love and support with a local mom

We have a mom in Ft Myers 5 months pregnant with a baby girl who has Down syndrome. Her unborn baby girl has a spot on her heart and bowels for possible defects. More ultrasound tests are being done. There are siblings involved as well.

This birth mom is looking for encouragement to keep her baby VS placing for adoption. Letters of how she can get support locally from families and organizations. I am requesting encouraging letters from families with children who have DS. This would be a real blessing to this mom. If you would email me either in an email or an attachment doc. I will get it to the Mother.

Thank you in advance,
Mary pringleclan@msn.com

Down syndrome

Down syndrome
Named after John Langdon Down, the first physician to identify the syndrome, Down syndrome is the most frequent genetic cause of mild to moderate mental retardation and associated medical problems and occurs in one out of 800 live births, in all races and economic groups. Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by an error in cell division that results in the presence of an additional third chromosome 21 or "trisomy 21."

Babies with Down syndrome often have hypotonia, or poor muscle tone. Because they have a reduced muscle tone and a protruding tongue, feeding babies with Down syndrome usually takes longer. Mothers breast-feeding infants with Down syndrome should seek advice from an expert on breast feeding to make sure the baby is getting sufficient nutrition.

Hypotonia may affect the muscles of the digestive system, in which case constipation may be a problem. Atlantoaxial instability, a malformation of the upper part of the spine located under the base of the skull, is present in some individuals with Down syndrome. This condition can cause spinal cord compression if it is not treated properly.

Medical care for infants with Down syndrome should include the same well-baby care that other children receive during the first years of life, as well as attention to some problems that are more common in children with Down syndrome. If heart, digestive, orthopedic or other medical conditions were identified during the neonatal period, these problems should continue to be monitored.

Children with Down syndrome may be developmentally delayed. A child with Down syndrome is often slow to turn over, sit, stand, and respond. This may be related to the child's poor muscle tone. Development of speech and language abilities may take longer than expected and may not occur as fully as parents would like. However, children with Down syndrome do develop the communication skills they need.

Parents of other children with Down syndrome are often valuable sources of information and support. Parents should keep in mind that children with Down syndrome have a wide range of abilities and talents, and each child develops at his or her own particular pace. It may take children with Down syndrome longer than other children to reach develop mental milestones, but many of these milestones will eventually be met. Parents should make a concerted effort not to compare the developmental progress of a child with Down syndrome to the progress of other siblings or even to other children with Down syndrome.




Questions and Answers about Down Syndrome


Is Down syndrome a rare genetic disorder?
Down syndrome occurs in 1 in 800 births.

Do only older women give birth to babies with Down syndrome?
Researchers have established that the likelihood that a reproductive cell will contain an extra copy of chromosome 21 increases dramatically as a woman ages. Therefore, an older mother is more likely than a younger mother to have a baby with Down syndrome, but older mothers account for only about 9% of all live births each year and 25% of Down syndrome births.

Are all people with Down syndrome severely retarded?
Most people with Down syndrome have IQ's that fall in the mild to moderate range of retardation. Some are so mildly affected that they live independently and are gainfully employed.

Can people with Down syndrome receive proper care at home?
Home-based care and community living give them the opportunity to socialize and benefit from such interactions.

Should all children with Down syndrome be placed in special education classrooms?
While federal laws have been established to insure that all handicapped children have access to public education, children with Down syndrome can and have been included into a regular classroom.

Is there a cure for Down syndrome?
Researchers have identified the genes that cause the characteristics of Down syndrome and are working to further develop mouse models, at varying stages of development, in order to enhance their basic understanding of Down syndrome and facilitate the development of effective interventions and treatment strategies.

Please contact us today if you wish to adopt a child with Down Syndrome

The Association For Children with Down Syndrome

URL: acds.org
Email: msmith@acds.org
ACDS is dedicated to providing lifetime resources of exceptional quality, innovation and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities and their families!


DownSyndrome.com

URL: www.downsyndrome.com
The goal at DownSyndrome.com is to advance the understanding, research and acceptance of and for people with Down Syndrome. There are many fantastic organizations Worldwide that help forward understanding and possibilities loved ones who have a little extra something special. DownSyndrome.com will expand on the work these groups do by providing an interactive platform that compiles information and allows interested individuals to share and participate with their own experiences and questions.


Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation

URL: www.dsrtf.org
Email: dsrtf@dsrtf.org
The mission of DSRTF is to stimulate biomedical research that will accelerate the development of treatments to significantly improve cognition for individuals with Down syndrome.


Down Syndrome Research Foundation

URL: www.dsrf.org
The Down Syndrome Research Foundation was formed in 1995 in response to the need, expressed by parents and professionals, for detailed and research-based information for themselves and for the community at large. Although based in British Columbia, the DSRF, by using technology to reach out to the Community, has found an audience across Canada.


National Down Syndrome Congress

URL: www.ndsccenter.org
Email: info@ndsccenter.org
The NDSC works to empower its members and all people with Down syndrome by creating a national climate in which all people will recognize and embrace the value and dignity of people with Down syndrome.


National Down Syndrome Society

URL: www1.ndss.org
Email: info@ndss.org
The National Down Syndrome Society envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to realize their life aspirations. NDSS is committed to being the national leader in enhancing the quality of life, and realizing the potential of all people with Down syndrome.



Reece's Rainbow

URL: www.reecesrainbow.org
Email: bamaroberts@comcast.net
Reece's Rainbow promotes the international adoption and rescue of children with Down syndrome exclusively. We are a 501(c)3 registered charity, and raise funds as adoption grants so families can afford to save our angels from mental institutions. We have close to (150) children with Down syndrome waiting in (24) countries worldwide. All of these children are in need of grant donations and adoptive families. We also have many advocacy and outreach projects you can help with as well. We also advocate for children with other special needs, known as our "Other Angels". We have found families for (90) children with DS and other special needs in only two years! Your help in raising awareness and grant donations is so greatly appreciated!

College campus for a person with Down syndrome

December 29, 2009

Here's one reason Micah Fialka-Feldman wants to live on his college campus,
instead of remaining at home with his parents: To get to college in the
morning, he takes the public bus near his home, then transfers to a second
bus. The trip takes about two hours.

Fialka-Feldman, 24, attends classes at Oakland University, as part of a
program for students like him, with intellectual disabilities. The campus is
about 20 miles from where he lives with his parents in Huntington Woods,
Mich.

A few years ago, Fialka-Feldman helped his younger sister Emma move into her
dorm room when she went off to college at Mount Holyoke. It gave him another
reason to want to live on campus: He thought he was missing out on an
important part of college life. But his school said because he was in a
special program and not a full-time student, he couldn't live on campus.

So Micah sued.

Early yesterday morning, his cell phone rang. It was his lawyer with the
news: He had won. "I'm happy and I'm proud," say Fialka-Feldman.

A U.S. District Court judge in Michigan ruled that Oakland University had
discriminated against Fialka-Feldman. The new school term starts Tuesday.
And Fialka-Feldman says he hopes to move into his new dorm room by Sunday.
He's got his computer, his radio and his bedding ready. He's got the posters
he wants to put on the wall, including ones with quotes from civil rights
leaders. One says: "A community that excludes one member is not a community
at all."

To live on campus, he says, "means I would have the full college life and
... I could go to Friday night things in the dorm, like Friday night
activities like a film night or like a basketball game and going out with
friends."

His father, Rich Feldman, adds: "The judge's decision is a wonderful victory
for Micah's dream to live in the dorm and a victory for so many other
students and folks with cognitive disabilities. Now it's their right to be
fully included in the college dormitory experience."

A spokesman for the university said officials there have not had time to
evaluate the decision. The school can appeal.

It's pretty common these days for kids with intellectual disabilities like
Down syndrome to go to their neighborhood schools and to be mainstreamed
with all the other kids. And when these disabled students finish high
school, they often want to go to college. In recent years, scores of
community colleges and universities have opened special programs and invited
students with intellectual disabilities to enroll. Oakland University has
been a pioneer in opening up to these students. But the colleges can't
always keep up with the rising expectations of disabled students and their
parents.

Fialka-Feldman takes regular classes, and students act as tutors to help him
follow along in class and keep up with his homework.

He has taken classes at Oakland since 2003 and the new term will be his last
on campus. "I'm taking a class on public speaking. And a class on
persuasion," he says.

He's already been pretty good at persuasion. In the course of fighting this
case, he has spoken twice to the school's board of trustees, and he pressed
his case in court. The university's study government voted to support
Fialka-Feldman's right to live on campus, and the student body president,
Kristin Dayag, was at his side at his court hearing earlier this month.

"Micah has really found his voice," says his mother, Janice Fialka. She
remembers when Micah was 2 or 3, and still didn't speak. "I remember vividly
asking the speech therapist, do you think that Micah will ever talk. And she
hesitated. And that hesitation, which was probably only four seconds, felt
like a lifetime," says Fialka, a social worker who now is a speaker on
disability issues. "And basically she was saying, 'We don't know.' And now
he's speaking in front of all kinds of people. So this is quite a journey of
surprise, and the importance of believing that every person has a gift and
should be supported in their dreams."

A generation ago, parents couldn't dream for their kids with disabilities.
Before the 1975 special education law, public schools weren't even required
to teach them - and about 1 million then didn't get any education at all.

Even today, lots of these kids aren't capable of going to college - and for
many of them the future remains bleak.

But Paul Marchand, with the advocacy group The Arc, says parents now have
higher expectations. "Parents want the best for their kids. They want their
kids to get a job; they want their kids to be as independent as possible.
They want society to accept them. They want their kids to be as typical as
all the other kids of their age, including going to a college."

Last year, Congress passed legislation that for the first time makes it
possible for people with intellectual disabilities to get federal college
loans - even if they're not in a full-time program.