“I was really excited about this opportunity from the first time I heard about it, and am so thankful that I got to be involved. I didn’t know what to expect when I came to my first book club meeting, but this experience was more amazing than I could’ve ever imagined. I’m not exaggerating when I say that it was always, without a doubt, the highlight of my day - and sometimes of my week. Getting to know Dr. Becht and the [adults with Down syndrome who are] members of the book club was a privilege that I am so thankful for. Each week was unique and exciting as we shared new stories, experiences, and lots of laughs. The book was always the main focus of the night, but this was so much more than just a book club. It was bonding, laughing, and creating friendships. It was meeting new people, trying new foods, and continuing to learn something new every day. I feel so lucky to have found this opportunity and genuinely look forward to continuing my connection with DSACF. The night of book club quickly became my favorite night of the week, and I’m hoping that soon I’ll be able to have that again.”

“I know we had the opportunity to speak after the music class and to reiterate, the panel discussion regarding school choice was greatly beneficial. The panel reviewed public school choices, mainstream and contained classroom settings, private school funded through the McKay Scholarship, and options through the Gardiner Scholarship, such as homeschooling. I appreciated the entire session, but I left with two take home points. First, like I mentioned before, I heard the parents remind me that while the goal for school remains to promote inclusion, the most important school setting will be the one where Dawson will flourish the most, and it is ok if it changes from year to year. Secondly, being actively involved as a parent in Dawson’s class and school is so important to show my support of the school and teachers.”