Do you have this dream?

If you are a person who has Down syndrome or a family member, have you thought about college? If not, it is time to start thinking and dreaming! After all, actions start with goals and dreams! The 2010 Conference on Postsecondary Education and Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities to be held October 28 and 29 in Fairfax, Virginia, will provide an opportunity to learn about new postsecondary initiatives for students with intellectual disabilities. It is being sponsored by the National Down Syndrome Society and George Mason University’s Helen A. Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities and cosponsored by other national organizations and the Department of Education. To find out more about the conference and to register go to http://www.sscsid.org/.

When my daughter, Laura, was born 28 years ago with Down syndrome, my husband and I were inundated with information about what she would not be able to do. Due to her severe heart defect, she was not expected to live. We were cautioned that she would not be able to live on her own and was likely not to go beyond a mental age of 8 years old. Later, school staff insisted that she should be in separate classes, did not provide structured reaching instruction or textbooks, and told us to expect a sheltered workshop after high school. College is the last thing anyone would have predicted for Laura. Thankfully children born today experience much higher expectations.

Due to her own hard work to achieve her goals, the persistence of her parents, and the encouragement and support of others, Laura has exceeded all the limited expectations others set for her. At her inclusive high school she received good academic instruction and went to proms and football games. When her high school friends and brother started planning for college, Laura did too. At that time there were limited options nationally and Laura was one of the first few students to attend the Mason LIFE program for students with intellectual disabilities. She had a great experience, grew academically and in many other ways, and lived in the dormitories. She was supported in obtaining paid work she enjoys.

Laura leads a full life with friends, sport activities, and travel. She is an advocate for others, has testified before Congress and speaks at conferences. Laura heads off in the morning on the subway to go to her job at the World Bank. Her postsecondary education experience played a large role in Laura achieving her dreams and living the life she wants.

So what about you? Are you thinking about college? Join us at the national conference to meet and hear from top national experts, including students with Down syndrome and their families. Come and find out what is possible. See you there!-Stephanie Smith Lee