Employment: The Promise of a More Inclusive Tomorrow

When we moved to Olathe, Kansas 10 years ago, I met the Palangi family. Their daughter Ella, who like Rachel has Down syndrome, was a toddler and has now grown into a beautiful young lady who is embracing middle school […]

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Rachel’s Pink House Adventures: Your 10 Favorite Blogs from 2018!

It is the last day of 2018. I don’t know about you, but this year has gone by at warp speed for me. Thought we could ring in the new year by taking a look at your favorite adventures of […]

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Rachel Really Loves Her Life!

Back in October, US Dept. of Education Office of Special Education & Rehabilitation Services (OSERS) asked the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) if they could assist in finding a self-advocate to submit a blog for their Down Syndrome Awareness Month focus. […]

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Merry Christmas! Jonathan & Jawanda: A Modern Day Comedy/Tragedy Chapter 29

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happiest New Year! Last year, we took a sabbatical from our annual Christmas letter so we could focus on getting Rachel graduated and starting the transition into the world of adulting for her. As usual, […]

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28 Day Countdown to College: How are you Mom/Dad?

Four weeks from today Rachel’s college classes as part of the Missouri State University Bear POWER Program begin.  Excitement and lists are plentiful around our house!  While the key question for a very long time may have been “What will […]

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Five of My Favorite Things: Giving and Supporting During the Holidays

The holiday season inspires a spirit of generosity and giving, and if you still itemize deductions on your taxes, a rush to get some year-end deductions by donating to worthy charities.  I read and hear that many people are flabbergasted […]

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Advocacy and Civility – Post Election

We’ve had about 10 days to recuperate from the election.  For most of us, no more election calls or advertisements. I apologize to those of you experiencing recounts or run-offs. For those of us who prioritize policy advocacy, the real […]

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Democracy is Flawed: VOTE

Rachel loves to vote. She has been visiting politicians and capitol buildings and talking to legislators since she could barely walk.  She has gone with us to the polls, rallies, town hall meetings, and even a few strategy meetings. Political […]

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Countdown to College!

Today is the last day of Down Syndrome Awareness/Acceptance Month. Yesterday, we registered Rachel for classes at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri.  Seventy-five days from today Rachel starts her classes at Missouri State University in Springfield. She will be […]

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Down Syndrome Acceptance: Real Friends

I have blogged about the ups and downs and hurts and joys of all friendships. This is Down Syndrome Awareness/Acceptance Month, but I haven’t written too many original blogs. Today, I want to provide encouragement in the form of a […]

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