@livingwithalittleextra: Before Londynn tried out for a competition dance team, I spoke with the studio and her previous instructors and specifically asked if she was capable of doing this. I was told she absolutely was. She tried out. She made the team. 🤍 After only TWO classes, parents went to the studio with concerns about Londynn. I immediately worked to find solutions. I emailed every parent explaining that Londynn has Down syndrome, may sometimes need extra patience or guidance, but was SO excited to know their daughters. I offered playdates and team bonding. Only one mom responded. I found childcare for my other children so I could attend every class. I watched girls exclude her, make fun of her and encourage her to do things they knew she shouldn’t. I also watched Londynn approach a girl for a high-five or admire someone’s painted nails, only to be told to “keep your hands to yourself” before she could even follow through. Does Londynn sometimes need reminders about personal space? Absolutely. But sometimes what others saw as a problem was simply Londynn trying to connect. And despite what I witnessed, I never went to the studio to complain about these girls. Instead, I tried to create friendships. Another mom and I even began planning a night for the girls to get to know each other better. After only a few more classes, I received an email saying Londynn would be removed from the team after additional concerns from parents. I had communicated with her teachers after every class, attended classes, offered solutions and provided support. I knew there would be things we needed to work through, but I believed she deserved the opportunity to work through them alongside her peers. This is what breaks my heart: What are we teaching our children when our response to someone who is different is to remove them instead of helping them understand each other? There was a time when individuals with disabilities were excluded from schools, communities and even their own homes. We’ve come so far, but inclusion isn’t simply letting someone into the room. It’s not only inviting them to the table, it’s inviting and believing they actually belong there.🤍 #downsyndrome #specialneedsmom

livingwithalittleext

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Saturday 15 August 2026 14:30:59 GMT