02/11/2021
"My name is Jennifer Katz, and I am the Senior Office Assistant and Job Coach at NDSS! I was born one summer day in late August of 1970 in Long Island, NY, and I am the youngest of three girls. I was born six weeks early. My mom had some complications from childbirth that could have taken her life, but we both survived! From the start, there were some red flags that would have instantly been picked up today. I had developmental delays and mild hypotonia, which were noticed and treated. Let’s fast-forward a bit...I was diagnosed with mosaic Down syndrome when I was about nine years old, when my mom’s friend who worked for NIH recommended having me tested there. I still remember all the things they did and had me do! It was a lot of fun. I was later tested and had an IQ of 135 when I was 13, I think, reading and spelling two full grade levels above my peers. At age 44 I sought assessment for, and was formally diagnosed with, combined type ADHD.
With a lot of hard work and a LOT of help from my parents, I graduated public high school with my General Education Diploma with several accommodations and modifications. I also held a part-time job and got my driver’s license. I passed both tests, written and practical, the first time! It took me seven years to find a career plan and graduate college, but I did it. I got married and later had two daughters who don’t have Down syndrome. I have moved nine times. I’ve been through a divorce. I have a full-time job, pay my bills, taxes and travel independently.
My parents and grandparents taught me how to cook, shop, to be involved in what’s going on around me, do housekeeping and take care of my health. They taught me to be curious and explore and engage in social activities like piano lessons, summer camp and other classes. My dad taught me to change a tire, check/replace my car fluids and wiper blades, how to be handy around the house, how to drive and how to use a lawnmower. My grandfather taught me how to pluck fruit from the fruit trees on their property, fish, learn how to casually use CB radio and much more. My sisters taught me about makeup, relationships with boys, music, school advice, how to share and get along. I learned most of what I needed to learn from my family. I can do almost anything as long as there’s someone who wants to teach and work with me!
My friends, please don’t ever give up teaching your children how to do this thing called LIFE. Teach them how to do all the things you can. Advocate for and encourage all the things you want them to experience. Let them try, let them fail, let them learn, let them lead. Teach them how to self-direct. And while you’re at it, ."
