Jason is your normal guy who goes to school, works, hangs out with his family, and loves the color blue. Unfortunately, he was born with an extra chromosome so he has downs syndrome. The idea about downs syndrome is that people who have it are not intellectually bright. However, they are intellectually impaired. There is a difference. They see the world differently and may struggle at certain activities people with down syndrome may not, but they can still learn and grow! Jason loves Elsa and Frozen, the song Let it Go helped him relieve a lot of the tension he has experienced in his life.

Jack has autism. He is nonverbal and cannot speak. On the otherhand, he knows how to type! His amazing ability to communicate his inner world with the external world allows people to better understand what it is he is feeling. He is exceptionally bright and gets straight As but people around him think otherwise and judge him for his disability. A better understanding about the way his brain works helps people around him to know what he needs. He plays sports, is close with his family, socializes with his friends, and is now in high school!

 These things are good to understand and remember because anyone getting into a field of education should be aware that they may have kids with disabilities and be more sympathetic to their situation. The extra help helps them go the extra mile. 

The 504 was a civil rights movement in 1977. It was the first Federal Civil Rights Law protecting people with disabilities. By it getting passed it helped them get the support they need especially in school. A 504 plan helps a child with disabilities have any support they need in any condition that limits daily activities in a major way. 

I am happy the 504 plan exists. I used the 504 plan in my earlier years of college while I was getting my associate's degree. While I was under recovery from a serious car injury, my mental capacity to retain information and learn was severely damaged. Thankfully, given the accommodations and modifications to record lectures and take longer time on tests when needed seriously helped my situation. I had no idea that was offered until I spoke with a counselor at Clovis Community. If I never received the 504, I probably would not be at Fresno State today. For educators to be aware of this plan, they will be helping 100s of thousands of people with disabilities all across the board. 

On March 12, 1990 dozens of people with disabilities abandoned their wheelchairs and walkers to crawl up the capitol's stairs as a testimony to prove how difficult day to day life is for them. Thousands of people watched and as a response the ADA was passed. This ensured to help those with disabilities in public life and was signed by former president George Bush. Jennifer Keelan was only 9 years old when this happened over 30 years ago and because of her age the cameras were focused on her as she successfully crawled to the top of the capitol but her struggle was evident. People under this act are protected against discrimination.