ABSTRACT

Written from a parent’s perspective, this case chronicles a mother’s efforts to secure an inclusive program for her adopted son Reed, who has Down syndrome. It describes Reed’s early childhood educational experiences, his experiences at a neighborhood school where inclusion is attempted, and his involvement in his community. The focus is on the parental role in promoting, shaping, and coping with the attitudes and expectations of those who work with children with disabilities in different contexts. Specifically, the case describes the mother’s search for an appropriate inclusive setting for her son, the instructional issues that arise once Reed is placed in a neighborhood school, some of the social issues that Reed and his parents have faced, and how being part of a neighborhood school has helped Reed learn to be part of the community.