Synopses & Reviews
"This single volume will do more to change stereotypes about Down syndrome than any book I have read. These two young men steal our hearts and wash away generations of misconceptions."--Mary L. Coleman, MD, Emeritus, Georgetown University
At ages nineteen and twenty-two, respectively, Jason Kingsley and Mitchell Levitz shared their innermost thoughts, feelings, hopes, and dreams, their lifelong friendshipand their experiences growing up with Down syndrome. Their frank discussion of what mattered most in their livescareers, friendships, school, sex, marriage, finances, politics, and independenceearned them numerous national awards, including the EDI Award from the National Easter Seal Society. In Count Us In, reissued here with a new afterword by the authors that recounts their successes and challenges as adults, Jason and Mitchells wit, intelligence, candor, and charm make a powerful and inspirational statement about the full potential of people with developmental disabilities.
JASON KINGSLEY graduated from high school in 1994. A television actor, he has received many awards recognizing his contributions toward better understanding and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. He lives in Hartsdale, New York.
MITCHELL LEVITZ works as a disabilities specialist for the Westchester Institute for Human Development and the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State. He serves on the board of directors of the National Down Syndrome Society. He lives in Cortlandt Manor, New York.
Review
PRAISE FOR COUNT US IN"Their parents were told to expect nothing. But Jason Kingsley and Mitchell Levitz were lucky, because their parents didnt listen. They gave their sons that chance to show how far they could goand theyve astounded everyone! Count Us In tells their story."JANE PAULEY
Synopsis
At ages nineteen and twenty-two, respectively, Jason Kingsley and Mitchell Levitz shared their innermost thoughts, feelings, hopes, and dreams, their lifelong friendshipand their experiences growing up with Down syndrome. Their frank discussion of what mattered most in their livescareers, friendships, school, sex, marriage, finances, politics, and independenceearned Count Us In numerous national awards, including the EDI Award from the National Easter Seal Society. More important, their wit, intelligence, candor, and charm made a powerful and inspirational statement about the full potential of people with developmental disabilities, challenging prevailing stereotypes.Now, thirteen years later, the authors discuss their lives since thenmilestones and challenges, developments expected and unexpectedin a new afterword.
Synopsis
Two young Down's syndrome patients discuss their experiences growing up with a developmental disability, and reveal their thoughts and feelings on friendship, school, careers, marriage, independence, and other topics. Reprint.
Synopsis
Two young men with Down syndrome talk frankly about careers, friendships, school, sex, marriage, politics, and independence. Recipient of seven national awards, including the EDI Award from the National Easter Seal Society. Foreword by Joan Ganz Cooney.
About the Author
At ages nineteen and twenty-two, respectively, Jason Kingsley and Mitchell Levitz shared their innermost thoughts, feelings, hopes, and dreams, their lifelong friendshipand their experiences growing up with Down syndrome. Their frank discussion of what mattered most in their livescareers, friendships, school, sex, marriage, finances, politics, and independenceearned Count Us In numerous national awards, including the EDI Award from the National Easter Seal Society. More important, their wit, intelligence, candor, and charm made a powerful and inspirational statement about the full potential of people with developmental disabilities, challenging prevailing stereotypes.Now, thirteen years later, the authors discuss their lives since thenmilestones and challenges, developments expected and unexpectedin a new afterword.PRAISE FOR COUNT US IN"Their parents were told to expect nothing. But Jason Kingsley and Mitchell Levitz were lucky, because their parents didnt listen. They gave their sons that chance to show how far they could goand theyve astounded everyone! Count Us In tells their story."JANE PAULEYJASON KINGSLEY graduated from high school in 1994 and in 1997 from Maplebrook School, a postsecondary transitional program. He has received the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation Families Award, among many others recognizing his contribution toward better understanding and acceptance of people with developmental disabilities. He lives in Hartsdale, New York.
MITCHELL LEVITZ graduated from high school in 1991 and is now a consumer issues specialist at the Westchester Institute for Human Development. He also serves on the board of directors of the National Down Syndrome Society. In 2004 Mitchell received the Daniel Piper Self-Advocacy Award. He lives in Cortlandt Manor, New York.