Count Us In: Growing Up with Down Syndrome

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· Sold by HMH
5.0
1 review
Ebook
208
Pages

About this ebook

Award winner: “Hearing about Down syndrome directly from these young men has a good deal more impact than reading any guide from a professional.” —Booklist

This book is in Mitchell and Jason’s own words. . . . We wanted readers to have a true-to-life sense of their charm, their directness, their humor and warmth, and, yes, their intelligence.
 
At ages nineteen and twenty-two, respectively, Jason Kingsley and Mitchell Levitz shared their innermost thoughts, feelings, hopes, dreams―and their experiences growing up with Down syndrome. Their frank discussion of what mattered most in their lives―careers, friendships, school, sex, marriage, finances, politics, and independence―earned Count Us In numerous national awards, including the EDI Award from the National Easter Seal Society. More important, their wit, intelligence, candor, and charm made for a powerful and inspirational statement about the full potential of people with developmental disabilities, challenging prevailing stereotypes.
 
In this edition, with a new afterword, the authors also discuss their lives since then: milestones and challenges, and changes both expected and unexpected.
 
“Their parents were told to expect nothing. But Jason Kingsley and Mitchell Levitz were lucky, because their parents didn’t listen. They gave their sons that chance to show how far they could go—and they’ve astounded everyone!” —Jane Pauley
 
“This single volume will do more to change stereotypes about Down syndrome than any book I have read. These two young men steal our hearts and wash away generations of misconceptions.” —Mary L. Coleman, MD, Emeritus, Georgetown University
 
“An excellent illustration of what it’s like to have Down syndrome . . . Most moving here are the portrayals of strong family relationships.” —Publishers Weekly
 
“Will open eyes and touch the heart.” —Library Journal

Ratings and reviews

5.0
1 review
Navdeep Kaur
October 19, 2015
loved this book!!
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About the author

Jason Kingsley graduated from high school in 1994, and from a postsecondary transitional program, Maplebrook School, in 1997. He has received the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation Families Award, among many others recognizing his contribution toward a better understanding and acceptance of people with developmental disabilities. Kingsley lives in Hartsdale, New York.
 
Mitchell Levitz graduated from high school in 1991 and is now a consumer issues specialist at the Westchester Institute for Human Development. He also serves on the board of directors of the National Down Syndrome Society. In 2004 Mitchell received the Daniel Piper Self-Advocacy Award. Levitz lives in Cortlandt Manor, New York.

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