Five Courageous Mothers: Raising Children with Down Syndrome - Softcover

Roberts, Anne Tucker

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1928758010 ISBN 13: 9781928758013

Publisher: Omni Publishing Company, 2018

Synopsis

Author Anne Tucker Roberts spent nearly 20 years teaching adolescents with developmental delays. Anne thought she understood Down’s syndrome until she learned the extraordinary backstory of one remarkable student. After his birth, his parents were urged to institutionalize him. Instead – they took him home. It is this mom’s astonishing story of creativity and perseverance that needed to be told. In all, five remarkable women share how they navigated the world of unknowns with challenging fits and starts. These women are the courageous pioneers for the educational and vocational programs that are in place today, and where children and young adults with Down syndrome now thrive. They are the quiet heroes in neighborhoods like yours and mine. They didn’t carry on about SAT scores or dresses for the prom. They weren’t worried about their teen drinking and driving – but about them thriving. Meet Hazel, Connie, Lisa Ann and Jane. Their stories of tenacity and love inspire even the bravest of us.

About this title

About the Author:

Anne Tucker Roberts is a gifted teacher and writer. For nearly two decades she taught adolescents with developmental disabili-ties. After 12 years in this position, Anne was recognized as a Master Teacher and awarded a “Golden Apple” for professional excellence. Anne left this rewarding career to care for elderly parents. During that time, she began writing memoirs and completed two books. This book is the result of a new col-laborative work between Anne and these remarkable mothers. Anne graduated from Boston College with a BA in Liberal Arts. She later earned a Master’s in Education and a Master’s in Special Education. She continues her work as a guardian to four wom-en with developmental disabilities. She lives with her husband of 30 years in Scituate, MA.

Review:

"Anne Tucker Roberts has crafted an honest and descriptive account of five pioneer women who fought against convention to raise children with Down syndrome. Tenacious and fearless game-changers, they stepped into the unknown filled with hope and a protective love-in-action to nurture the personal growth of their special needs children." -Florence Lai, M.D. Neurologist, Mass General Hospital, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School

"I entered the field in 1978 as part of the deinstitutionalization movement and development of the community system; inspired by my sister-in-law, Lisa, who had Down syndrome. The stories of these moms stirred strong emotions in me. I was struck by their courage, tenacity and selflessness!" -Beth Moran Liuzzo, Area Director, Brockton, MA, Department of Developmental Services

"What a different world raising a child with Down syndrome was during the 1980s and 1990s versus today. The compassion, determination, devotion, and undying love these mothers have truly inspired me to keep doing what I am doing." -Jeffry Roback, President Mass D.A.D.S. (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome) affiliate of MDSC

"This is a book of real courage, true commitment and inspiring perseverance in the face of incredible challenges and pressures (both personal and societal). Parents, educators and healthcare professionals would all benefit from reading this powerful book!" -Dr. Christopher T.S. White, Licensed Psychologist/ Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst, President and CEO/ Road to Responsibility, Inc.

"This book is instructional and inspirational. As a pediatrician for 40 years, I have been involved with many families confronted with the task of raising a child with Down syndrome. They have met the expected challenges, such as education and social integration, as well as the unanticipated challenges, such as societal ignorance and family conflict." Dr. Paul C. Schreiber, MD (Recognized as Best Doctor in America in 2008)

"I praise the women who trusted Anne with their very personal stories and urge parents, educators and others who have the privilege of having a special needs child in their lives to read this extraordinary book." Dr. Patricia K. Maley, Former Executive Director, North River Collaborative, Rockland, MA

About this edition

• Publisher: Omni Publishing Company
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1928758010
• ISBN 13: 9781928758013
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 194