“Ruby, I can’t get that ‘I can’t feel my face when I’m with you’ song out of my head from the dance last night. And I LOVE it.”
Fun Fact: Not only are individuals with Down syndrome who participate in these higher education programs gaining skills to find more meaningful employment, they are also gaining social skills, friends, a social LIFE! They are attending dances, sporting events, studying with friends, having lunch dates with friends and building meaningful, life-long relationships. No longer do they have to wave from the porch as their high school buddies head off on the path toward higher education.
One mom of a participant in the Bethel University BUILD Programs says, “We’ve been blessed starting with early intervention, then mainstream classrooms and activities from Day 1. School lasts till they’re 21, but then it kind of fizzles. They get functional skills, but there’s been no lifelong learning, which is important for everyone. That’s why this is a godsend.” Another says, “They’re part of the larger community and they’re building natural friendships. They’re becoming part of a group of friends who do things together.”
Such integration is nothing new for today’s students, who came of age in a more progressive era for people with intellectual disabilities. But until recently, that integration often hasn’t included college. We are all life-long learners, and people with Down syndrome are no different. They want to continue to learn, grow and develop meaningful relationships. These post-secondary educational opportunities are helping them achieve this…and more.
Hope y’all are having a good weekend and getting your groove on to whatever song you can’t get out of your head!