The inspiring story of Anna Rose Rubright
Rowan University in New Jersey in the United States celebrates a graduate with Down’s syndrome for the first time.
Difficult access to the diploma
In the United States, students with disabilities are more likely to drop out of school than a valid student. A study by the National Center for Research on Education (NCSER) says that only 34% of students complete a four-year course. A percentage much lower than those that are valid at (52%). Some universities offer more specialized help than others: specialist teachers, timetables, and exams adapted to the student. However, Anna Rose decided to follow the same course as her peers.
“What would take you 20 minutes to read would take Anna at least 1 hour,” says her mother to Forbes magazine.
Generally, students with cognitive disabilities follow a course adapted to their impairment. They don’t get the same degree as their peers. The more number of years of study, the more effort it takes to obtain a diploma.
Public high schools also have a low number of “classic” graduates with cognitive disabilities. In 2016, Madison Essig, born with Down’s syndrome, finished her studies with a diploma like the others. This shows pride for Woodrow Wilson High School, since this has not happened since 1996.
Anna Rose Rubright graduating from Rowan University
On May 8, 2020, she was proud to obtain an audiovisual license. His graduation took place by videoconference on the Zoom platform due to Covid-19. The President of the Senate of New Jersey, the special speaker of the virtual ceremony, seemed particularly touched.
“Anna Rose has proven that everyone is wrong,” he said, the father of a child with the same syndrome.
Even if arrangements are offered by the university, Anna Rose wanted to follow a classical course. For once, she wanted to be like everyone else. Her persistence led her to the end of her dream: to be like her friends.
“None of the lessons for Anna Rose or other students with disabilities are reduced. They have the same expectations to complete and successfully complete their education. This is proof of her perseverance and her ability not to give up,” said the Director of the handicap center at Rowan University.”
Now a young graduate, she wants to become an entrepreneur and create her own production company. Passionate about radio, she hopes one day to be able to tell stories to people in the same situation as her.
Source : Forbers, NCSER, Lucile Aimon ,Trisomie 21 : occupational intégration
Photo Credits: Rowan University, Frank Leradi
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