Hi there! My name is Benjamin
Sutton. I'm one of those
remarkable kids who just
happens to have Down
Syndrome. That's okay though,
I'm doing just great!

My parents have been involved in
a really tough battle and they
wanted to share their story to
help others who might be going
through a similar situation.

Ever since pre-school, I was 'included' in a regular classroom, with
non-disabled kids. I've made lots of friends. I learn things from the
other kids, and they learn things from me too. Now, I'm in a 'regular'
first grade classroom, but my parents had to fight to get me there.
Here's what happened...

My neighborhood school (the one I would attend if I weren't
'disabled') has fought to keep me out since the beginning. They've
offered all sorts of options, but my mom just couldn't agree with
them. She spent 18 months reading research, attending conferences,
and observing at schools that let 'disabled' children attend classes
with non-disabled students. My mom found out that schools that
segregate children due to disability are not in compliance with the
federal law called IDEA. The schools should be educating me in a
regular education classroom, making adaptations and modifications

when needed and providing me with supplemental aids and services.
The fact that research strongly supports the inclusion of children with
disabilities in regular classrooms bothered my mom even more,
because she's a teacher! She wants me to have all of the benefits
inclusion can offer me so I can reach my full potential and become a
contributing member of society.

My parents went to bat to protect my rights to be educated--and the
rights of other kids with special needs who have the same rights I do.
They hired an attorney who is an expert in special education law and
filed for a due process hearing against the school. The hearing was
held October 16, 17, and 18, 2000. On December 8, my parents found
out that the hearing officer supported them on all of their positions. I
am entitled to a placement in the regular education classroom and
the assistance of a paraprofessional. I do require supports and
modifications to the general education curriculum. The people

who work with me should have training on the process of inclusion
and they should consult and collaborate with each other. Even my
speech therapy can be integrated into the classroom. And finally, my
parents should be included in meetings about my goals and receive
written summaries about my progress so that they can be equal
partners with the school. All of this will be monitored by someone
from the Division of Special Education at the Department of
Education of Indiana.

Take some time to read the newspaper articles listed in our Detailed
List of Links Page. We know there are other parents out there going
through similar struggles. If you have any questions about our battle,
e-mail my mom and she'll help you however she can. She can give
you some good web sites or share more about the hearing officer's
decision. Just contact her at the address below. We all wish you the
best in providing your child with the best possible education!