The Arc - Ellen Jane Peterson

The Arc of Cowlitz Valley

Ellen Jane Peterson

Ellen Jane Petersen is 17 years old and has Down syndrome. As a baby she was enrolled in an early intervention program where teachers and therapists taught her and played with her. With this help, Ellen Jane has learned many of the same things other children learn, only at a slower pace. Ellen Jane explains, "All Down syndrome means is that it takes me longer to learn things."

Throughout her years in school, Ellen Jane’s regular education was supplemented with time spent in a resource room, reinforcing basic academic skills. She joined the Girl Scouts, took ballet lessons, and went to camp just like a lot of other kids her age.

Now in a transitional program in high school, Ellen Jane is developing practical life skills, communication and social skills. She is learning how to use a computer, manage her money, go grocery shopping and use public transportation.

Ellen Jane also receives community-based instruction to participate in different work experiences. Last year, she worked in a restaurant, a day care center, and a pet store. Ellen Jane's job coach, Kevin, breaks down various tasks for Ellen Jane so that she is better able to complete her work. This semester, Ellen Jane is working at the Valley Animal Hospital as an assistant to the veterinarian. Ellen Jane enjoys working with animals and she even adopted a pet snake named George. Through her various work experiences, Ellen Jane is learning many new skills which will enable her to be independent after graduation from high school.

Ellen Jane lives with her parents and her 10-year-old brother, Jeffrey. She also has a 23-year-old sister named Jessica. Ellen Jane likes living at home with her parents but one of her goals is to live in an apartment with her friend, Lisa, who also has Down syndrome.

Ellen Jane has lots of friends and is involved in many activities. She is a member of a community club for girls who have Down syndrome. She enjoys sports, particularly swimming and bowling. Ellen Jane even won a swimming award at the Special Olympics. During the summer, Ellen Jane is an assistant counselor at a day camp and helps the swimming instructor give lessons.

Ellen Jane will be the first to tell you that having Down syndrome can be a little frustrating, especially when she has trouble doing or learning something. One example is that her younger brother, Jeffrey, is a much better reader than Ellen Jane is. Sometimes she finds this frustrating, but she reminds herself that everyone learns at different speeds. She just does the best she can.