Biography

Bridget Brown is a successful young woman who captures the attention of everyone she meets with her vitality and confidence. Bridget redefines the term "inclusion" by being the first person with Down Syndrome to be included in her school district. She graduated in 2005 as a result of this very successful school experience. She is a national public speaker and shares tools and strategies she used to be successfully included. She is also a person-centered planning coach who works with young adults with disabilities to help each find his or her own voice.

In addition to her workshops and keynote-speaking engagements, Bridget also works as part of a grant through the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities. She helps young adults with disabilities learn how to present at their own IEP meetings, set goals, and speak with self-determination. Bridget has been trained as a PATH/MAP facilitator with Managing the Art of Living and she is a graduate of the STARS advocacy program through the ARC of Illinois.

Bridget recently became a Dental Health Educator at University of Illinois Chicago Campus. One day a week she travels down to Chicago and teaches young patients how to care for their teeth. She also works several days a week in her father's dental office as an assistant. She helps make molds, records probe measurements, and restocks supplies. She leads a full, productive life, keeping busy with work, church, and hobbies such as reading, drawing, and writing her memoirs.

PERSON CENTERED PLANNING AND SELF DETERMINATION: Bridget has used a person-centered planning process (MAPS/PATH PROCESS) to present at her own IEP meetings beginning in 8th grade. Bridget believes that all students should present at their own IEP meetings. She teaches students how to collect their thoughts and share their hopes and dreams with others. She shows others how to use a tool that helps design positive and possible lives. Bridget explains how she presents at her meeting, then shows a sample of her presentation. Participants leave with tools and strategies to help every student develop his or her own presentation.

KEYNOTES: Bridget delivers inspiring keynote speeches. The most popular keynote is DWELL IN THE POSSIBILITIES. This keynote can be adapted for any audience. Bridget's keynotes are very motivational!

ADAPTATIONS AND ACCOMMODATIONS: Bridget presents with her mother, Nancy Brown. This workshop helps teachers and parents learn tried-and-true adaptations and accommodations that allow students with disabilities equity and access to the general education curriculum. Strategies presented include mini-books, graphic webs, previewing, adapting rubrics, and note-taking tools.
- IMDb mini biography by: Deedy Payne