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Post by tworiveras on Mar 1, 2006 23:48:02 GMT -5
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Great job, well done! I would have had the smileys do a standing ovation, but they don't clap or stand up! Karen
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Post by cindylou on Mar 2, 2006 2:41:05 GMT -5
Radonna- That was amazing! PERFECT! I think you just changed the world for so many people!!..You have no idea who this will touch--children that are not even yet born will be viewed differently then they would have otherwise--had your class not heard this presentation. You have touched hearts and opened minds to the human beings that our children---all children all. To not define them-put them in a box-because of their disability--and to not try to 'fix' them. Oh! It was so perfect and just what I needed to read tonight! Debbie--your peom was amazing!
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Post by Radonna on Mar 2, 2006 8:58:55 GMT -5
Thanks so much!!! I tell you I really haven't ever had the chance to talk to a group of people about Disabilities. I am really terrified of public speaking and I will start to get real hot have trouble breathing or start crying so much that you can't hear what I am saying. But this was different. It was like my heart took over and I was fearless. I have never felt anything like it. Then to know that I made a small difference in the way people saw disabilities and Down syndrome is beyond words.
Thank you everyone! Espessially Debbie. Debbie your poem was the post powerful part of the whole speech. When I read it I could tell that it impacted every person in that class When I read the part Unique but alone. I paused and asked the class TO imagine what it might feel like to feel like you described feeling.
This truly was an experiance I will never forget and just another example how Kaden has made me "more" than what I dreamed that I could be. (I mean me and public speaking I can't start to describe how bad I am) I did say that too. I mean I add libbed alot. I didn't use alot of my speech because the words were just coming out without me even having to think. I held up the IEP and the psychological and then I held up my blue law book and explained how all that was to fit my beautiful unique little boy in normal's box. Then towards the end of that part I said something about learning the laws of IDEA and being an advocate and stepping out of my comfort zone becoming more than what I was to best meet Kaden's needs. I also passed around my "Connie inspired" scrap book of Kaden and his brothers. Everyone loved that.
Again thank you all for the prayers and the thoughts you sent with me! It really helped! Radonna
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Post by momofrussell on Mar 2, 2006 11:07:48 GMT -5
Gosh.. I have tears now for knowing what an AWESOME experience you had!!!! I'd stand up for you ANY DAY!!!!!!! Hugs.. I am glad it went so well.. I knew it would though You have such passion and drive and I just love you lots!!!!! heehee A.
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Post by laurasnowbird on Mar 2, 2006 11:21:31 GMT -5
Wow, girl, you ROCK! I can't imagine why you were nervous, that had to be the best presentation that your teacher had ever seen! Good job!
If even one person thinks twice when speaking with or about a person with a disability, you will have done that person a great service.
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Post by AnnieM on Mar 2, 2006 11:28:37 GMT -5
Radonna, You gave me goosebumps!!!! I am soo happy for how awesome your speech went! I love the violet and daisy part that's what gave me the goosebumps. I am SURE you're speech & presentation changed the views of quit a few people!
And Debbie, WHAT am AMAZING poem!!
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Post by Annie S on Mar 2, 2006 12:05:31 GMT -5
Radonna what a great presentation ...I am sure you enlightened many tonight...sounds like you did a fantatic job...I love the violet and daisy presentation...I think this would be great for any age group...make the kids think about things too...Thanks for sharing...Annie S
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Post by andrewsmom on Mar 2, 2006 13:55:21 GMT -5
Radonna.....I have tried to read this post 3 times in the past two days. I get to this part.... "So much goes into details of what he should be doing that who he is can sometimes get lost." and I choke up. (I think these words will stay with me forever). Then I tired to read more and got to Debbie's poem......how amazing to get a different point of view...it was beyond fantastic. So today I finally finished the end. What an amazing story about the Special Olympics. I think everyone in the world should behave the way these kids did. They are definitely ALL winners in my book. Although it took me awhile to get through it (and a mound of tissues later) I can honestly say I think you did an awesome job! I don't care what grade your professor gives you....you get an "A" in my opinion.
-Trisha (who is now going to buy stock in klenex).
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Post by Kristen on Mar 2, 2006 14:03:58 GMT -5
WONDERFUL!!! You made us all proud!
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Post by meghans_mom on Mar 2, 2006 18:51:50 GMT -5
Radonna - I am glad it went so well....not that I had any doubts that it wouldn't! I wish you could see me 'cause I have the biggest :-D smile on my face right now...you go! laurie
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Post by poojamom on Mar 3, 2006 18:54:25 GMT -5
Radonna,
It was simply beautiful! to put it mildly.
Debbie,
I got a print out of your poem, I hope you don't mind. I loved it.
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Post by Claire on Mar 3, 2006 23:55:17 GMT -5
Baeutifully said. I actually went through 10 Kleenex reading this post. If I may with your permission use it in my presentations that I give for grade 8th, educating them on Down syndrome. Claire
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Post by Radonna on Mar 4, 2006 2:27:33 GMT -5
Claire, Of Course! I think most of what I had written I had found other places. I wish I knew where that the violets and daisy part came from. I read it a long time ago in a letter a parent had written a teacher about her child's IEP. It was just a regular letter and it didn't go into detail about violets and daisys it just said violets are not deformed daisy's. I wrote a book for my kids about violets and daisy's to explain Down syndrome that people tell me I should try to publish but It really isn't my origianl idea so I haven't tried.
Thank you everyone for all the positive comments!
Radonna
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Post by updowns on Mar 4, 2006 17:55:11 GMT -5
Radonna that was amazing and you are amazing!
Stella
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Post by kitkat on Mar 5, 2006 8:36:57 GMT -5
That was well written Radonna. Great job.
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