Inclusion

Response from ballet class one:

Thank you for reaching out.

We have some concerns.

Your daughter is young–we only take four year olds if they have significant dance experience.

                 The floors may be slippery.

Your daughter may fall and get injured.

 We only have one instructor per class, so we cannot provide her individualized attention.

Try swimming to get stronger and try again and try again next year.

Response from ballet class two:

I would love for Evelyn to join us.

I have experience with other children who have gross motor delays.

I welcome all children.

I want all children to enjoy dance.

We have ballet/tap combo, or just ballet. Choose the one you want and just let me know!

I look forward to meeting her.

Published by lkgaddis

I have been working on this memoir-style project for a while now, and I'm excited to share it with others. My hope is to get as wide an audience as possible, and to receive comments, suggestions, and ideas to improve and expand what I have. I also want to encourage others to become curious about the topic of babies, and the loss that can come with the adventures of trying to start a family. In the world of celebrating healthy babies, we who know otherwise need a voice too.

2 thoughts on “Inclusion

  1. Laura, what a difference in the 2 reactions. The first has such a discouraging and judgmental tone. The second one so accepting. That 1st school director had better change her attitude or find herself slapped with an ADA lawsuit from some parent. She probably doesn’t even know what the law says. Which is exactly what she violated. Makes me angry. Can’t imagine your feelings.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I admit I was crushed for Evelyn’s sake. She was so excited to try dance, so I am very grateful to find the second school. It was the first time we faced such blatant discrimination ☹️

      Like

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