BeyondDownSyndrome | Beyond Down Syndrome 2/3

5 min read

The Inclusive College Experience at ClemsonLIFE

There are currently 310 post-secondary education (PSE) programs located across 49 states. As the number of programs continues to expand...

LuMind IDSC: Pursuing a World without Alzheimer's

7 min read

Adulthood (28-88+)

LuMind IDSC: Pursuing a World without Alzheimer's

Most of us know a family member or friend with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. In fact, nearly all of us do! Adults with Down syndrome...

Celebrating Marbridge: A Model Living Community

8 min read

Young Adult (18-27)

Celebrating Marbridge: A Model Living Community

For those of you who joined the Beyond Down Syndrome journey a while ago, you may know our daughter, Gwendolyn, now 29, achieved her...

Independence is a Lifelong Journey: Go Flourish!

5 min read

Young Adult (18-27)

Independence is a Lifelong Journey: Go Flourish!

About 10 years ago, Gwendolyn came home from school and stated emphatically, "I want to be independent." She had watched her younger...

4 min read

Childhood (0-12)

Ms. Boyd Shares Her Teaching Gifts

My name is Calista Boyd and I have been teaching all ages from preschool to college remedial reading over the past 40 years. I enjoyed...

Moment of Truth (& 10 Ways to Lose Your Benefits)

8 min read

Adolescent (13-17)

Moment of Truth (& 10 Ways to Lose Your Benefits)

Moment of Truth Typically when our loved one is in their teens or early 20s, they will reach their "moment of truth." This sounds like a...

Inclusion: Lifelong Choices Each Family Should Consider

7 min read

Childhood (0-12)

Inclusion: Lifelong Choices Each Family Should Consider

To be honest, "inclusion" was always a sensitive word for us. Sure, as new parents of a beautiful daughter with Down syndrome, we have...

Tips and Resources for Dual Diagnosis Families

6 min read

Childhood (0-12)

Tips and Resources for Dual Diagnosis Families

As a parent walking the road alongside many families who have a child with Down syndrome, we’ve had both challenging and rewarding...

Rosaura Shares the Pain of Dual-Diagnosis

7 min read

Childhood (0-12)

Rosaura Shares the Pain of Dual-Diagnosis

When Ethan was discharged from the hospital, they sent us to meet with the social worker. I don’t remember much of our conversation, but...

Rediscover Best Buddies: Building a More Inclusive World

5 min read

Childhood (0-12)

Rediscover Best Buddies: Building a More Inclusive World

Guest blogger Tracy Churchman shares the amazing offerings and wonders of today's Best Buddies program Hi, my name is Tracy Churchman and...

Carolyn's Inspiring Story of Daniel Overcoming Communication Challenges

5 min read

Childhood (0-12)

Carolyn's Inspiring Story of Daniel Overcoming Communication Challenges

My name is Carolyn and I started out my career in education and have worked with people with disabilities for 40 years. I had been...

6 min read

Childhood (0-12)

Their Dream Must Be Our Dream

Putting Our Loved Ones First We all want our independence. It's a natural human drive. A recent study showed personal happiness is most...

Chatty Camille Still Tackling Social Challenges

5 min read

Childhood (0-12)

Chatty Camille Still Tackling Social Challenges

Camille and her mom Larina tackle the hidden challenges of socializing with DS Brian and I live in Davidson, a vibrant college town just...

Valuable Resources for Families with Down Syndrome

3 min read

Childhood (0-12)

Valuable Resources for Families with Down Syndrome

50 linked resources to support your self-advocate's independence journey During Gwendolyn's independence journey, we've gathered some...

9 min read

Adulthood (28-88+)

Can't Envision Moving Day? Now You Can!

The 4-Step Process to Finding the Right Place In the past, I've shared blogs about our daughter's journey to independent living. I've...

Individuals with Down Syndrome are NOT Always Happy: This is How You Can Help

8 min read

Adolescent (13-17)

Individuals with Down Syndrome are NOT Always Happy: This is How You Can Help

Guest blogger Michele Mattox provides lots of essential and sage advice to help address mental health challenges for our loved ones with...

6 min read

Adulthood (28-88+)

Gwendolyn Moves Out

How it feels when it really happens... For Gwendolyn and our family we believe, as with her siblings, she can have it all. Each would...

Dutch is Paving his Own Independence Path

5 min read

Childhood (0-12)

Dutch is Paving his Own Independence Path

Rebekah shares her heartwarming story of goal setting and support to help Dutch gain employment and a place of his own. Dutch was born in...

8 min read

Adolescent (13-17)

Guardianship and Alternatives

Guardianship is one of those essential topics families with Down syndrome should not avoid. You do have options but if you do nothing,...

Fionn's Story of Determination is Inspiring

4 min read

Adolescent (13-17)

Fionn's Story of Determination is Inspiring

We are Jonathan, Veronica, and Fionn. We currently live in Ireland. Fionn is 26 and has Down syndrome. Years ago, we asked our teenage...

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