This is Tasho, an amazing 7 year old boy, who happens to have Down syndrome. We have come along way from the shock of a prenatal diagnosis, 3 days later I found myself using the word included for the 1st time. I told the doctors, that there was no need to give me my options, this child will be included. Those words hold true today. Tasho is the first child in our school district to be fully included in general education classrooms at the elementary level. Tasho has been included since he started kindergarten, he is now in the second grade. Being the first is always ground breaking, not just for us, but for our entire community. It really is a situation where everyone is a winner. His peers learn that it's ok to be a little different and to learn differently, his teachers learn that children who happen to have Down syndrome can learn right next to their typical peers and Tasho learns to be a full functioning member of his society. Our IEP team works hard in making certain that inclusion works. The kids at school know who he is, and are accepting of him. During the past few years, Tasho has received academic achievement awards, and good character awards as well. It is a road less traveled but it is a road worth taking. Tasho is an inspiration to everyone, and we all stand in awe at his accomplishments and achievements. It's not always perfect, and mistakes are made at times, but that's ok, because he is paving a path for other children as well, breaking down the stigma and stereotypes that often plague our children. It is an honor to be Tasho's mom and advocate. But in the end, he is the one that has to do the work, and for this I couldn't be prouder of him. Inclusion works!