Joyce Rogers said that beginning with her daughter's first day of kindergarten, it was important she be included in a traditional classroom environment.
Now 14, Rogers' daughter Ariel, who was born with Down syndrome, spends more than 80 percent of her day in mainstream classes with her peers at Hanby Middle School in Gold Hill.
"We really wanted an inclusive program from day one," said Rogers. "And she is doing what every other kid is doing."
Hanby Middle School was recognized by the DSASO earlier this month with an Inclusion Excellence Award for its work with students such as Ariel.
Rogers, who works as a reading specialist for the Down Syndrome Association of Southern Oregon, said that her daughter spends each day in the classroom as any other teenager would, a practice that isn't as common in neighboring school districts.
"I can't imagine not running a school this way," said Scott Dippel, Hanby's principal.
Dippel said that while he believes all schools likely make an effort to integrate students with intellectual disabilities into mainstream classrooms, the effort isn't always simple.
"It does at times take a lot of work, and faith," said Dippel. "Some parents are hesitant."
Dippel said Ariel's case was the perfect combination of willing parents and an inclusive school that trusted Ariel would be comfortable in a regular classroom.
"The association told us we were very unique," said Dippel.
Read more of Teresa Ristow's Mail Tribune article HERE.
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