Social Copy
“Chris, Andy, and I have been close friends for what feels like forever,” said Spencer. “With our Eagle Projects, we supported each other because on our own we felt lazy and discouraged, but we all motivated each other together and got all three projects done in two Saturdays. It was truly an amazing experience, and I love them both like brothers.”
Community Inclusion
As people with disabilities have been raised at home as members of their communities and schools, most have thrived. Socialization is actually a relative area of strength for people with conditions like Down syndrome and Williams syndrome. People with disabilities can make friends at school, church, and in their neighborhoods like any other child. Programs like Best Buddies and Friends Club also specifically help children with disabilities make friends. Typically-developing children also tend to become kinder and more accepting as they are exposed to the diversity of students with disabilities. (Shogren et al. 2016)
Picture on the left: Andy (who has Down syndrome), Chris, and Spencer (left to right)