The Story of All Born (in)

Several years ago, Northwest Down Syndrome Association (NWDSA) began to discuss the need for a dynamic and informative forum about inclusion. As an organization made up of parents of children with Down syndrome, NWDSA has a history of stepping in to help families navigate the public school system. When the number of parents calling for help rose to the point where it became impossible to address each request on a one-to-one basis, we began to identify systemic issues that could be better addressed through a collaborative, skill-sharing venue. Parents felt increasingly discouraged and under-served by the programs designed to provide their children with an appropriate, integrated education. We recognized an urgent need for parents and professionals to come together to share, encourage, and inspire.

In 2006, NWDSA presented the first annual All Born (In) conference in partnership with Portland State University. In a one-day, best-practices-driven symposium, we build awareness and passion for creating inclusive educational opportunities. The All Born (In) conference offers concrete skills to parents and educators committed to ending unnecessary segregation in our schools. Inclusion is a cross-disability issue, and the conference led us to form partnerships with several local agencies and organizations that serve families touched by disability. These partnerships have deepened the impact of All Born (In), and created a strong circle of parents and educators dedicated to creating an inclusive community.

Since the first All Born (In) conference in the spring of 2006, The NWDSA and PSU have held a conference every April. We reach more families and educators each year and expand the offerings available to conference attendees. Conference speakers have included Norm Kunc, Kathie Snow, David Pitonyak, Keith Jones, Madeleine Will, Joan Medlen, Michael Bailey, and numerous other local and national leaders in the inclusive education movement.

In January of 2007, we took the All Born (In) movement from the confines of the world of education to the broader public with the development of the All Born (In) Photo Gallery, which debuted at OHSU’s Center for Health and Healing. The All Born (In) Photo Gallery grew out of the need to bring the broader community into the discussion of inclusion. Since its debut, the photo gallery has traveled around Oregon and Washington, including trips to each of the state capitols. It has been shown at numerous conferences and even taken a trip to the nation’s capitol in Washington, DC.

The All Born (In) movement is a collaborative effort between NWDSA, PSU, Disability Rights Oregon, and many individuals and organizations committed to creating inclusive communities. The cross-disability movement began in 2006 with the All Born (In) Cross-Disability Best Practices Educational Inclusion Conference--an annual symposium that builds awareness and passion for creating inclusive educational opportunities. The All Born (In) conference offers concrete skills to parents and educators committed to ending unnecessary segregation in our schools. Inclusion is a cross-disability issue, and the conference is made possible through partnerships with several local agencies and organizations that serve families touched by disability. These partnerships have deepened the impact of All Born (In), and created a strong circle of parents and educators dedicated to creating an inclusive community.