[rcostion]

Hi my family is thinking of moving to Orlando area (Winter Park) I am trying to do some research on schools and adult programs for children with disabilities. My 13 year old will be going into high school and my 17 year old will be going into adult transition program (he has Down syndrome) I want to make sure my child with Down syndrome has as active of a life that he does here in Chicago...he is involved in everything he is on the varsity swim team, participated in special Olympics and has a very social life before we make the move I need to make sure florida offers programs or is a friendly/accepting community to children with disabilities. any insight or websites I can research is appreciated!

[kmarc]

Originally Posted by rcostion

Hi my family is thinking of moving to Orlando area (Winter Park) I am trying to do some research on schools and adult programs for children with disabilities. My 13 year old will be going into high school and my 17 year old will be going into adult transition program (he has Down syndrome) I want to make sure my child with Down syndrome has as active of a life that he does here in Chicago...he is involved in everything he is on the varsity swim team, participated in special Olympics and has a very social life before we make the move I need to make sure florida offers programs or is a friendly/accepting community to children with disabilities. any insight or websites I can research is appreciated!

Your child is thriving in a stable environment where all his needs are met. And you want to move him? Are you kidding me?

[kyle19125]

I would recommend checking out Oviedo, where Oviedo HS especially seems to have a good handle on incorporating special needs students into the general student body and is one of the top public high schools in the state https://www.usnews.com/education/bes...gh-school-5566. The Oviedo HS Homecoming Queen for instance in recent years has gone to young ladies with Down's Syndrome. https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/lo...n/67-300222016 Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida Success Stories

The University of Central Florida also has a program that provides a path for Down's students past high school. https://www.ucf.edu/pegasus/the-power-of-inclusion/

[Arcenal813]

Originally Posted by kmarc

Your child is thriving in a stable environment where all his needs are met. And you want to move him? Are you kidding me?

Right...
I'm hoping this move isn't just because "we want to move to Orlando," but rather due to job relocation or something.

[kmarc]

Originally Posted by Arcenal352

Right...
I'm hoping this move isn't just because "we want to move to Orlando," but rather due to job relocation or something.

I'm hoping, too, but the OP says the family is "thinking" of moving to Orlando, so it doesn't sound like a job relocation. It could be that they're weighing an opportunity, though.

I'm not as familiar with Downs as I am with some other conditions, but my general impression is that people with the condition tend to be more adaptable and more outgoing than someone with autism for example. If anything, they can be too trusting and that can be dangerous in some parts of Florida. They also tend to be very good workers in the right job situation. When I lived in South Florida, there used to be an organization that placed people with Downs in jobs and it seemed to work out well for all concerned.

I just hate to see young people in stable, supportive environments get displaced into something that might not be as advantageous. Florida can be tough even on young people who don't have special needs.