Fox News 17

As the Individuals with Disabilities Act marks its 50th anniversary, one Rockford elementary school is demonstrating the law’s intent by fully including a second grader with Down syndrome in general education classes. Ellie Gard attends classes at Meadow Ridge Elementary School alongside her second-grade peers in Mrs. Wittenbach’s classroom, making her the school’s first student with Down syndrome to be fully included in a general education class. “They’ve been great here with helping her progress in her skills,” said Jennifer Gard, Ellie’s mother. “She’s kind of found these, these stories that she’s able to read, and she’s very proud of herself when she accomplishes things. She likes to be independent.” Ellie has been in general education classes since kindergarten. Her mother believes the inclusive environment is crucial for her daughter’s development. “I think it’s important because it allows her to be a part of her community, just like everybody else,” Jennifer Gard said.