Cheryl Jorgensen Receives National Education Award
"I am very honored to have received this award, especially because it comes from an organization founded by parents," said Dr. Jorgensen. "Meeting and hearing from parents during the conference reminded me of what Margaret Mead said: 'Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.' When you see parents with their infants and then young adults with Down Syndrome who are advocating for themselves, going to college, falling in love and getting married, you realize that having a disability does not diminish anyone's potential for a full life. I hope to work closely with the NDSC in the future to keep that dream alive." The NDSC has recognized leaders in the field of Down syndrome advocacy, awareness, research, and inclusion for over thirty years. Past education award recipients include Mary Falvey, Dean of the Charter College of Education at California State University at Los Angeles, and Paula Kluth, an independent consultant who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities. The National Down Syndrome Congress is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1973 whose purpose is to promote the interests of people with Down syndrome and their families through advocacy, public awareness, and information dissemination on all aspects of Down syndrome. For more information on the NDSC, visit www.ndsc.org. |
Cheryl M. Jorgensen, Ph.D., has been recognized by the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) with their annual National Education Awards. She received the award for her leadership and pioneering research in support of the successful inclusion of students with Down syndrome. Dr. Jorgensen was one of two individuals to receive an Education Award given at the Congress' Annual Awards Banquet on July 12, 2008 at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston, Massachusetts.