User:DSDaddy/Karen Gaffney

Karen Gaffney, Down syndrome Self Advocate

Long Distance Swimmer, Inclusion Activist, Motivational/Inspirational Speaker and President of The Karen Gaffney Foundation

Born in 1977

EDUCATION: Portland Community College, Portland, Oregon: 1997 - 2001 Graduated in March 2001, attained an Associate of Science degree and a Teacher's Aide Certificate. Held a cumulative grade point average of 3.41.

St. Mary's Academy, Portland, Oregon: 1993-1997 Earned a regular high school diploma, having satisfied more than the Oregon State requirements for graduation. Maintained a 3.0 grade point average. Participated in the Science Club, was a member of the Swim Team, lettered junior and senior year.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Karen Gaffney Foundation, 1998 - present President of a non-profit organization that is dedicated to championing the journey to full inclusion for people with Down syndrome and other disabilities. With the help of a Professor of Education at Portland State University, we produced our first and second videos.

PUBLIC SPEAKING EXPERIENCE: Frequent keynote presenter for the National Down Syndrome Congress, as well as other various regional, state, and local Down syndrome support organizations around the country.

MEDIA: In 1999, completed work on a video project to promote early intervention for children born with Down syndrome. The proceeds from this project were used to develop my second video geared toward educators focusing on the keys to success for inclusion in a regular classroom from the student's point of view. The videos are being distributed to interested parties throughout the United States and parts of Europe and Canada as well.

HONORS and AWARDS:

* Member of the Advisory Board for Exceptional Parent Magazine * The first person with Down syndrome to complete a relay swim across the English Channel * Recipient of the Providence Health System Regional Spirit of Women Award -2001 * Recipient of the Joe Loprinzi Inspirational Award - 2001 * Nominee for the Bill Hayward Amateur Female Athlete of the Year Award - 2001 * Official Olympic Torch Relay Torchbearer

REFERENCES

http://www.karengaffneyfoundation.com/

http://www.ndsccenter.org/news/karengaffney.php

http://www.news10.net/display_story.aspx?storyid=33164

http://www.truveo.com/Down-Syndrome-Woman-Swims-Lake-Tahoe/id/38989517