New TASH intern and recent high school graduate, Madison Essig, is believed to be the first person with a developmental disability to graduate with a full diploma in Washington, DC. Her high school career included an internship at the National Down Syndrome Society and several years as an active member of Best Buddies.
In November 2015, Madison spoke at the 40th anniversary celebration of IDEA at the White House about her experience of being fully included at school. She comes to TASH to become more involved in disability advocacy and policy work, specifically education policy. In addition to volunteering at TASH’s national office and for the Democratic National Campaign, Madison will begin attending George Mason University’s LIFE Program this August. Welcome, Madison!