The People Who 'ARE" by Dave Hingsburger

It's in the press again. I search to find out the context of the word. I see debates all over the web, people bemoaning the 'politically correct' and the 'word police' and making ridiculous claims about having to ban the concept of a 'fire retardant'. Last I looked there's never been a protest about products that protect from fire. Last I looked there's only ever been protests about the use of a word that demeans a group of people.

No matter what the fearless defenders of freedom of speech say, there is a huge difference between a word to describe something that slows fire and someone who learns differently. There's a huge difference between a thing and a person - but, no, maybe not. After reading their diatribes regarding their freedom to spit out hurtful words, they may, really, not see people with disabilities as fully human with a human heart capable human hurt.

People mock the concept of respectful language regarding disability. People make odd arguments about the latest gaffe by ... no, I won't say her name here ... they say 'she was saying that of herself not anyone else' - um, so? The word she used was one referring, not to a commercial product, but to an oppressed minority. Yet the debate rages on and the fierceness of the attack by those who are proponents of the use of hate language are both hysterical and who often purposely miss the point. One wonders what's at stake - their personal liberty to hurt others?

It's time to recognize that the 'R' word is an attack against who people with with intellectual disabilities 'are', it is an attack against the group that they belong to. It is like other words that exist to slur an entire people, unacceptable. The fact that people do not see the seriousness of the word and the attack it represents is simply a result of the fact that they do not take the 'people' who wear that label seriously. The concerns of those with intellectual disabilities have always been diminished and trivialized. There is a sneaking suspicion that they 'don't understand, poor dears', that they 'miss the point, little lambs' so therefore their anger need not be feared as justified.

To read the rest of this outstanding blog and more from Dave Hingsburger, visit hs Blog Rolling Around in My Head

Tone and Tumble

Coach Jimmy has the kid's working on agility, core strength, balance and specific tumbling skills. It's a challenging class! But also simple to modify for those who need to ease into it. Come join us EVERY Friday, 5-6pm. We do not have sessions, so you can drop in and out as you wish. We are accepting donations to pay Jimmy!

Dancing!!!

Last fall we had the first of what we hope to be many more dances at Club Layton! Mary Noonan came to teach us real square dancing and we were all do si doing our way around the gym in no time while giggling with friends and having a great old time!!!

We are hosting our second dance Friday February 18 6:30- 8:30. This time it's a Valentine Disco Dance! Come join us for what is sure to be lots more fun and giggles!!!

Don't tell the kids that all the while they are having a great time, they are also learning social skills! One of the great things about Club Layton is that we are not a 'special' place just for people who are differently-abled. We believe all kids deserve a place alongside their peers in the community. We also believe children learn best by actually participating in typical kid activities, not being placed in an artificial environment and then taught social skills. Learning by doing is how we all learn!

Come join us as we learn life skills by living our lives!!!

The Magic Continues.....

The Charmers Cheer Team has earned a place to compete at the Worlds Cheerleading Championship to be held on April 28 & 29, 2012 in the Sports Complex at Disney World in Orlando, Florida!!!

A huge thank you to Kelley Layton from Layton Athletics and Champion Spirit for helping to make this magic happen!

Also for all the donations we have already received in the effort to make sure every single athlete from out team makes it there! One of our Jr coaches donated her $200 scholarship money to help!! We will be having many, many fundraisers during the next year! Right now we are selling World's Famous Chocolate bars! Available at the gym and various places around the area!!

They CAN , by Amy Stark

When you bring a baby home from the hospital, you have dreams. You have hopes for that baby. While you are sitting awake at 3 am feeding that baby for what seems like the 25th time that day…you imagine what your child will be doing at different ages. What will her first words be? Will her blonde curls still be there when she gets on the bus for the first time? Will she play soccer or softball? Will she be homecoming queen? Will it be Harvard or Northwestern?

But then one day, you will notice that something isn't quite right. She isn't talking like everyone else's kids. She doesn't look at people like everyone else's kids do. She doesn't "get" stuff like everyone else's kids . People will try and make excuses for it. "She's a girl….she is your second kid…..everyone is different " And then one day you will sit at a meeting and they will tell you what you suspected all along. Autism. So now, your imaginations change. Will she ever talk? Will her blonde curls survive riding the bus for an hour to a special classroom in Woodstock? Will she even understand the difference between soccer or softball? And as for homecoming queen or college…..those dreams just went "poof."

Our kids with special needs don't always get to do what everyone else does. Usually that is not a good thing. But one thing that our special kids do get to do is participate in the Charmers squad at Layton Athletics. This is a cheerleading squad made up of special needs children and coached by Kelley Layton. And something about putting on that uniform and going out and performing in front of hundreds of people is truly magical. They CAN do it. They CAN memorize lines of the cheer. They CAN do the stunts. They CAN. For these kids, and their parents, it is so beautiful. A place where we don't have to fight the system to get good things for our kids. A place where there are no judgments made…everyone has issues…we just deal with it. Most importantly it is a place where my daughter has made friends.

As a parent, I have also gained from being a part of the cheer team. I never would have met these amazing people had it not been for the Charmers squad. These moms and dads are champions for their children and are wise, kind, and patient beyond any parents I have ever met. I have so much to learn from them.

I also have learned something from my daughter. I must admit, I was leery of allowing her to be a cheerleader. Could she do it? Could she get it? Well, let me assure you…..she does get it and she can do it very well. She yells the cheer, her hair survives "the bow", she understands the difference between a stunt group and a tumble spot. As for homecoming queen and college………..just you wait and see.

Square Dance!!

A wonderful month to enjoy the last bits of summer warmth, to carve a pumpkin, to plan your Halloween costume, and……to SQUARE DANCE!! Wear your overalls or twirly skirts and be ready to learn some new dance moves on October 22 at 6:30 when Club Layton hosts a square dance at Layton Athletics. Mary Noonan, PE teacher and square dance caller extraordinaire, will be helping us do-sa-do, swing our partners, and promenade. We'll also be doing a craft and of course, having a snack!! You don't want to miss this fun event. Please be sure to RSVP by calling Layton Athletics or clublayton@gmail.com for this one as space is limited to 40 dancers.

New Resource for Parents Expecting a Child with Down Syndrome!

If you are expecting to welcome a child with Down Syndrome into your family this is a fantastic resource for you! I also think it would be very helpful to parents who received a prenatal diagnosis a child with other genetic issues.

Brand new, Down Syndrome Pregnancy, has already received 3000 hits! Pass it on to friends, family, your OB and Pediatricians!
Don't forget to book mark as you never know who may be in need of it next.