When Your Child With a Disability Isn’t a ‘Superstar’
When my daughter was born with Down syndrome, I determined she would be a “superstar.” I was going to do whatever I needed to do so she would rise above all expectations. She was going to challenge every stereotype out there about individuals with Down syndrome. ...
Why Our Kids With Disabilities Deserve Better ‘Life Skills’ From School
Several months ago, one of my daughters came home concerned about her youngest sister, who has Down syndrome and spends part of her day in the special education classroom. “Mom, did you know the kids from Miss Turner’s* class are made to clean the cafeteria?” I...
An Inclusive Education Does Not Always Mean Friendships for Our Kids with Disabilities
Both of my children with disabilities receive an inclusive education — since kindergarten. They are now in middle school. I’ve been fortunate. I have not had to fight for them to be included in the two school districts my kids have been enrolled in. We did...
I Am ‘That Mom’ When It Comes to Fighting for My Kids With Disabilities
It took two and a half years to get the services I needed for my kids since we moved to Minnesota. That was several social workers, several of the same evaluations (so frustrating) until finally things happened. Actually, things started moving and happening after I...
Ellen Stumbo writes and speaks about finding beauty in brokenness with gritty honesty and openness. She's passionate about sharing the real – sometimes beautiful and sometimes ugly – aspects of faith, parenting, special needs, and adoption. Ellen’s writing has appeared on Focus on the Family, LifeWay, MomSense, Not Alone, Mamapedia and the Huffington Post.