October 22, 2006 4:29 PM
The church and inclusion
Tripp just went to pick up Jonny from the Boy Scout Campout.
This was really a big deal because this is a Boy Scout troop of homeschooled kids and although in public schools it goes without saying that kids with disabilities are included whenever and whenever and however possible, the homeschool community just hasn't had as much experience with inclusion. Jonny's speech isn't that clear and people don't know what to expect.
So it was really great when Tripp picked him up this afternoon and heard that he was a wonderful addition to the troop - that he brought out the best in everyone.
That's what it's all about!
After all, studies show that when someone with Down syndrome is hired, the morale of the entire staff improves. There's just something infectiously joyful about being around them that makes you take a fresh look at your life and what it's all about.
It's a new scoutmaster for the troop and he is proving to be as much an answer to prayer as his wife, who called me a few weeks ago to introduce herself. She's a homeschooling mother of four or five, who is also an experienced Special Ed teacher. She wanted to know how she could help us get the four boys with Down syndrome integrated into the Sunday School at church.
Our church situation is Sunday School before church and the whole family worships together at 11. As far as I know, we are the only non-homeschool family in the church (I'm sure it's a mystery to everyone why we used to homeschool in California, moved to Virginia and put our kids in public school and ended up attending "the homeschool church" with all the 12-15 passenger vans in the parking lot. I just explain that we are like missionaries. And the truth is, we are.)
But we've never gone to Sunday School because we felt that the support was not in place for the kids with Down syndrome. I also so wished people would get to know the boys and speak to them after church. I asked the church secretary for prayer about this. And lo and behold, this wonderful answer to prayer appeared.
So Beth has put out a call to line up volunteers - especially teens to help with the kids during the Sunday School hour.
I am feeling so loved and taken care of - and so thrilled that people in the church will start to see that inclusion isn't just about helping kids with special needs reach their potential - it's also about us reaching ours.
Thank you God for seeing that my boys get all they need!
Posted in Church Issues, Disabilities, Down syndrome, Family | Permalink
Comments
We have a man (5o years old) with Downs that attends our church. His name is Kenny. (I also have an uncle with DS who is 50+.) I'm sad to say there really isn't a place for him in Sunday School, but there is much room for him in our hearts. He receives and gives lots of hugs and kisses and everyone seems to love him. Thank you so much for sharing your perspectives. Also know, I'm praying for reconcilliation with your daughter.
~ Drewe Llyn
Posted by: Drewe Llyn Jeffcoat | October 23, 2006 7:16 AM
