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...
God Doesn’t Give ‘Special Children’ to ‘Special Parents’
Almost every parent of a child with a disability I know has been told at some point that, “God gives ‘special children’ to ‘special parents.'” I hear some parents find this sentiment comforting, but the majority of us just roll our eyes....
Dear Choir Teacher, Are You Really Including My Child With a Disability?
On Monday, my kids had a choir concert. My daughter — who uses a wheelchair — rolled herself confidently to the stage, full of energy and a smile on her face. Then she took her place. Behind the piano. Completely out of sight. The other kids also took their place — on...
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.