As Eliza said in a recent speech...."who thought going to college would be this hard?" That pretty much sums up Eliza's first months of 2012. She remains dogged in her determination to re-join her peers in the post secondary world of learning, but it hasn't come without its disappointments. Eliza applied and set her hopes on attending either Edgewood College in Madison, WI or College of Charleston, in South Carolina. Both of these colleges we found highly commendable and dedicated to having their students fully integrated - where all students learn from and with each other.
In February, we flew to Madison for a 2nd visit to Edgewood and an interview - a first for Eliza. I was extremely proud of her ability to describe and answer questions put to her about what she wants from college, how she feels about being so far from home, etc.
Following our Wisconsin trip we headed to Mission College in Santa Clara, California where Eliza was invited to come as a paid speaker and share her story. We both were very pleased to speak to over 100 students and faculty made possible through the college's diversity committee.
In March, Eliza and I started making plans to visit a college closer to home - Highline Community College in Washington, figuring we needed to keep as many options open as possible. And none too soon, for despite Eliza's best effort completing applications and interview, we were not as prepared as I would have liked to defray her disappointment when she received letters from College of Charleston and Edgewood within 2 weeks letting her know how much they commended her desire and wished her luck in her pursuit but informed her that she had not been chosen for their limited fall cohort - both having a whole raft of applicants in their own home states and beyond to fill the 6-10 slots that were open. Well, welcome to the world of many typical college-hopeful students, only in this case there is no "home state" fall back college to choose from be it private, public, 2 or 4 year.
So last week, we set off for points North to have our visit with Highline College and had a fabulous day with many of the caring, kind and excited staff who enthusiastically showed us around. We visited classes, met students, talked with faculty and came away feeling like we have finally found a team that WANTS Eliza and a place that welcomes and celebrates the learning and achievements of all students - completely undaunted by obstacles, choosing instead to learn and grow right along with their students. It was a tremendous relief to know that we have found a school where Eliza will be encouraged and welcome to pursue her dream and we are as eager as ever to join the team of educators willing to see and make those possibilities a reality.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Monday, December 5, 2011
Realizing Hopes, Following Dreams and the Ripple Effect!
Wow...what a process! Just when you think - where is this going to go next? - things shift, someone calls, you adjust and try either to keep your head above water or are buoyed completely by the hard work, kind thoughts and amazing gift of support by others equally dedicated to creating a world where EVERYONE matters, EVERYONE has a role, EVERYONE is valued. I should have learned by now in the blogging world one shouldn't wait so long to write down what's happening...because when you do, you find there is far too much to say. :-) None the less, here's a snapshot and some of my thoughts on what has transpired in the last month and... as always... we wish to express a HUGE thank you to so many of you who have touched and continue to touch our lives through Eliza's experience. It has had a most definite and amazing ripple effect!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Friends Community School, Westtown School and Sandy Spring Friends School
Welcome to Eliza's BLOG!!!! Eliza and I have very much appreciated the opportunity to speak to all of you at your respective schools over the last 3 days! We hope that many of you have found your way to the blog with the help of your new wristbands.:-)
Lots of you have asked how you can help....Here are a few ways:
LIKE US on facebook to show your support, then spread the word to all your friends and get them to do the same!
Write Eliza a letter and let her know what you learned from her presentation and how it has impacted how you feel about people who are different. The easiest is to just hand them in to your teachers...they have Eliza's address and can send them to her in one batch. Some of the questions we are curious to hear from you about are:
Lots of you have asked how you can help....Here are a few ways:
LIKE US on facebook to show your support, then spread the word to all your friends and get them to do the same!
Write Eliza a letter and let her know what you learned from her presentation and how it has impacted how you feel about people who are different. The easiest is to just hand them in to your teachers...they have Eliza's address and can send them to her in one batch. Some of the questions we are curious to hear from you about are:
Thursday, November 3, 2011
WELCOME State of the Art Conference Attendees!
WELCOME! We are thrilled to be a part of the 2011State of the Art Conference on Postsecondary Education and Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.
Eliza will be speaking today (November 3rd) as one of the keynote panelists at 3:45 about her hopes and dreams for college and about her experience last fall where she enrolled to take a ceramics class, then was dismissed 2/3 of the way through the Quarter. Come hear Eliza and others share why going to college is important to them.
Eliza will be speaking today (November 3rd) as one of the keynote panelists at 3:45 about her hopes and dreams for college and about her experience last fall where she enrolled to take a ceramics class, then was dismissed 2/3 of the way through the Quarter. Come hear Eliza and others share why going to college is important to them.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Hold My Hand Website LAUNCHED! ---- LIKE US on facebook
We are pleased to announce that DVD copies of the documentary - Hold My Hand - about Eliza and her college experience are now available for purchase on at the newly launched Hold My Hand Movie website. The website includes information about Eliza, the documentary and the film makers. In the Take Action section, you will find multiple ways to advocate for inclusion of students with intellectual disabilities. In addition you can find information about Eliza's advocacy and speaking engagements. VISIT: www.holdmyhandmovie.com or email holdmyhandmovie@gmail.com for more information.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Impact of Eliza's Speaking Engagements - Westfield State University
ELIZA SPEAKS! - in Oregon, Massachusetts, Virginia and Beyond!
Oregon Disability MEGAConference - October 1, 2011
Eliza along with SOU students Mollie Mustoe and Emery Way and Chapman University film makers, Ruby Stocking and James Parker presented two workshops at the Oregon Disability MEGAconference in Salem on October 1st. The first featured showing the documentary - Hold My Hand, Eliza and Deb each speaking, a viewing of Eliza's art slide show and the think college trailer. The second workshop focused on comments and a panel discussion from college students and parents speaking on why including Eliza and others with intellectual disabilities is important. Statistical information was presented along with an overview of the many programs Eliza and Deb visited this summer. The discussion and question and answers from the audience addressed ways in which we could see developing a statewide plan to move Oregon toward including students with intellectual disabilities at the post secondary level. It was evident that many states have started this process long before Oregon with two of the leading states being Massachusetts and South Carolina both of whom have multiple colleges and Universities offering programs with line items in their budgets to support the development of new programs. Data from the Think College website indicates clear evidence that providing an inclusive college experience increases employment with graduates securing higher paying jobs and increased independent living skills - all of which adds up to increased quality of life and saving states money.
Eliza along with SOU students Mollie Mustoe and Emery Way and Chapman University film makers, Ruby Stocking and James Parker presented two workshops at the Oregon Disability MEGAconference in Salem on October 1st. The first featured showing the documentary - Hold My Hand, Eliza and Deb each speaking, a viewing of Eliza's art slide show and the think college trailer. The second workshop focused on comments and a panel discussion from college students and parents speaking on why including Eliza and others with intellectual disabilities is important. Statistical information was presented along with an overview of the many programs Eliza and Deb visited this summer. The discussion and question and answers from the audience addressed ways in which we could see developing a statewide plan to move Oregon toward including students with intellectual disabilities at the post secondary level. It was evident that many states have started this process long before Oregon with two of the leading states being Massachusetts and South Carolina both of whom have multiple colleges and Universities offering programs with line items in their budgets to support the development of new programs. Data from the Think College website indicates clear evidence that providing an inclusive college experience increases employment with graduates securing higher paying jobs and increased independent living skills - all of which adds up to increased quality of life and saving states money.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Update about Eliza and her ongoing pursuit of a college experience
Today marked the 1 year anniversary of Eliza's speech delivered at last year's Buddy Walk where she shared her excitement of starting her first college class - Introduction to Ceramics - at Southern Oregon University. Who could have ever predicted the events that took place this past year and the subsequent course her life has taken?
Eliza spoke again today at the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk in Medford, this time with her friends Mollie Mustoe, one of her SOU ceramics classmates, and State Representative Peter Buckley, both of whom have entered our growing circle of advocates now determined more than ever to provide a place and an opportunity for students with intellectual disabilities to follow their dreams of attending college.
Eliza spoke again today at the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk in Medford, this time with her friends Mollie Mustoe, one of her SOU ceramics classmates, and State Representative Peter Buckley, both of whom have entered our growing circle of advocates now determined more than ever to provide a place and an opportunity for students with intellectual disabilities to follow their dreams of attending college.
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