Independence Day: An Introduction

If you're a parent, caregiver, or advocate for a young adult with Down syndrome or other cognitive challenges, you’ve probably asked yourself:

• “Will they ever be truly independent?”
• “How will they get to work, meet friends, or explore their world without me?”
• “Can I ever stop being their full-time chauffeur and start reclaiming my own life too?”

You're not alone—and you're not without options.

In this introduction to Independence Day: Empowering Young People to Move Freely in Their World, you'll be inspired by the lived journey of Dr. Patricia Tice and her daughter Katie—a vibrant, big-hearted woman with Down syndrome—and introduced to technical insight with real-life stories, practical tools, and empowering strategies.