Inclusion and more

When it came time to graduate from Chaparral High School, my teachers and parents were nervous for what would come next year.  The teachers encouraged me to try out to speak during our graduation ceremony. When my teacher, Ms. McGovern told me the morning before graduation that I was chosen, I literally couldn't even believe what I heard. I gave a moving speech about how the Chaparral High School Class of 2014, teachers and administration team saw in me possibilities NOT disabilities. This is an accomplishment I still talk about to this day.  Chaparral High School student Lindsey Eaton addresses the Chaparral High School Class of 2014 during graduation Another important thing that my parents worried about as I prepared to walk across the stage at Chaparral HighSchool's graduation ceremony was employment.  My mom and I found out about a program called Project SEARCH which helps people with disabilities find jobs. I was selected as an intern at the Medtronic work ...

A year ago my parents Doug and Kelly Eaton bid on a trip to Miami, Florida to visit the Best Buddies International Headquarters office, attend the Best Buddies Miami Gala and stay at the Fontainebleau  hotel.  When the trip was finally ours, it took a year to make it a reality.  Best Buddies International staff members with Ambassador Lindsey Eaton Yesterday my dad and I toured the Best Buddies International Headquarters office. Staff member Rachel Lazarus toured us around the HQ Office and let us ask questions. I was personally quizzed numerous times on what I knew about Best Buddies and asked me if I knew certain staff members. I also often had the opportunity to share part of my personal story with the Best Buddies staff members. Below is part of  what I shared:  Before I found Best Buddies, I was often drawn to people who were older than me as they listened and understood what I was dealing with.  When I was a freshman in high scho...

Mrs. Liane Brinkman or Mrs. B-Man to her students, is one of the coolest teachers at Christ Lutheran School.  Her co-workers and students absolutely adore her. Mr. Jon Doyle, the schools principal for upper grades, often asks me how it went with Mrs. Brinkman in the mornings when I eat lunch at 12pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.  I tell him it went well and that Mrs. Brinkman is so cool and that I enjoy helping her out! Mrs. Liane Brinkman and I  I have only been helping out in Mrs. Brinkman's classroom for a few weeks but it's a highlight of my work week at the school as my job coach, my family and several CLS teachers know. In just the few weeks I have been in her class, I have been really touched by how much her students and their parents adore her and how fun it is. She reads them letters from Zero the Hero and a few weeks ago they were given CDs because their unit was about rock and roll music.  Mrs. Brinkman prides herself in giving everyone of her ...