“Hmmm…if I can just finish my paper for Organic Chemistry by 8 tonight, I can make it down in time to stand in line for Star Wars tickets with Ben and Nella.”
Fun Fact: In the past decade, there has been growing momentum on a national scale to make higher education more inclusive for students with intellectual disabilities.
Meg Grigal is co-director of Think College, the organization charged with developing and expanding higher-ed options.
“We have a history of lowballing our expectations for these young people,” said Grigal. “We want to put them on the path to finding meaningful work and change the cycle of dependency. It will be better for them and better for the economy.”
A college certificate demonstrates that a student has commitment and follow-through, she said.
“They’ll leave college with a résumé and credentials that will be recognized by employers and show they’re ready to work,” she said. “More of them will get out of low-wage sheltered workshops and be prepared for competitive employment. They’ll be ready for an integrated workplace, working with people without disabilities.”
I believe so strongly that raising our expectations is half the battle. I personally feel like I have high expectations for Ruby already…but she still trumps my expectations constantly! She shows up every day to school ready to learn and do her best…and she is just in Pre-K. It’s not about “being better for the economy” for me, although that is a perk. It is about letting them soar and reach their highest potential, whatever their interests are.
It is about giving them the opportunity, just like my older daughter has, to learn and grow and be the best version of themselves…even after high school. Let them keep on rockin’ that extra chromosome!!
Woot!