tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6317774544225558252024-03-08T08:23:33.898-08:00CHLOE'S MESSAGE - The smallest voice can make the largest impact!Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-83631908913134468762015-06-07T12:31:00.001-07:002015-06-07T12:31:54.563-07:00The Power of One!Click here to read this uplifting article about our family journey!<br />
<a href="http://www.childcorepublishing.com/skin/frontend/default/theme283/images/media/power-of-one.pdf">http://www.childcorepublishing.com/skin/frontend/default/theme283/images/media/power-of-one.pdf</a>Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-56747468105226991602015-06-07T12:30:00.002-07:002015-06-07T12:30:34.150-07:00Pro-life vs. pro-birthClick here to read my published letter in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review:<br />
<a href="http://triblive.com/opinion/letters/8479190-74/pro-birth-chloe#axzz3cPFRbebM">http://triblive.com/opinion/letters/8479190-74/pro-birth-chloe#axzz3cPFRbebM</a>Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-3925925130548791122015-06-07T12:29:00.001-07:002015-06-07T12:29:07.853-07:00Investment in early education yields priceless returnsClick here to read my posted article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette<div>
<a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/letters/2015/03/19/Investment-in-early-education-yields-priceless-returns/stories/201503190059">http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/letters/2015/03/19/Investment-in-early-education-yields-priceless-returns/stories/201503190059</a></div>
Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-83990714918359133232015-02-21T07:36:00.002-08:002015-02-21T07:36:34.703-08:00South Dakota Down Syndrome Bill Testimony<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">On 2/6/15 I was blessed with the opportunity to provide testimony via speaker phone for South Dakota HB 1155 which will provide factual, supportive information to mothers expecting children with Down syndrome. The law is very similar to "Chloe's Law " and it is amazing how "One Small Voice Can Make an Incredible Impact"! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoWsWk8DVcE">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoWsWk8DVcE</a></span>Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-41019653499735574522015-02-21T07:30:00.005-08:002015-02-21T07:34:11.256-08:00“Ask the Expert” Interview - Quality Early Learning Radio Show<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">On 12/26/14 I was interviewed on a new Quality Early Learning radio show that is building listeners across Pennsylvania and beyond. I shared a heart warming story involving our family journey since Chloe’s birth and emphasized how critical it is to invest early in our most precious gifts - children. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihM0tepjoE8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihM0tepjoE8</a></span>Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-30077505642711110842014-10-16T05:51:00.003-07:002014-10-16T05:52:41.856-07:00PA Early Childhood Education Caucus News Conference<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">On 10/08/14 I had the honor of being the emcee for the Early Childhood Education Caucus News Conference at the PA State Capitol celebrating "Pennsylvania's Promise for Children Month". It was an awesome gathering attended by many Legislators, professionals and families, and here is a link to watch the event: </span><a href="http://pasen.wistia.com/medias/e9o0hykurh" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://pasen.wistia.com/medias/e9o0hykurh</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">The focus was on investing early in our most precious, priceless resource - CHILDREN!</span>Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-20566265693404851912014-10-11T06:40:00.003-07:002014-10-11T06:40:40.592-07:00October is a Very Special Month!October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and Chloe's Law went into effect in Pennsylvania on 10/01/14! Here is a video shot on the day Chloe's Law was signed at the PA Capitol - PRICELESS!<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/owP7qlcIozA">http://youtu.be/owP7qlcIozA</a>Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-10691573957585552042014-09-12T07:42:00.001-07:002014-09-12T07:42:15.598-07:00MUST SEE Video of Chloe signing "Chloe's Law"!Click on the link below for a short "MUST SEE" video of Chloe signing "Chloe's Law" at the PA Capitol - PRICELESS!<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/YORPKk1Bw_0">http://youtu.be/YORPKk1Bw_0</a>Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-83122045098615292062014-09-12T07:35:00.001-07:002014-09-12T07:35:08.708-07:00Chloe's Law in the Philadelphia InquirerClick on the link below for an awesome article about Chloe's Law in the Philadelphia Inquirer, and this legislation has received incredible support across PA, the country and the globe!<br />
<a href="http://articles.philly.com/2014-08-20/news/52988605_1_down-syndrome-diagnosis-publications-practitioners">http://articles.philly.com/2014-08-20/news/52988605_1_down-syndrome-diagnosis-publications-practitioners</a>Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-73492300715697968102014-07-11T20:21:00.002-07:002014-09-12T07:31:20.889-07:00"Chloe's Law" in the Pittsburgh Catholic NewspaperCheck out this article on the front of the Pittsburgh Catholic Newspaper about "Chloe's Law"<br />
<a href="http://diopitt.org/pittsburgh-catholic/pa-legislature-overwhelmingly-passes-chloes-law">http://diopitt.org/pittsburgh-catholic/pa-legislature-overwhelmingly-passes-chloes-law</a><br />
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<br />Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-23121769523667314062014-06-13T13:01:00.000-07:002014-09-12T07:31:53.757-07:00The most Endangered Species in England<span style="background-color: white; color: #303030; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">If children with Down syndrome were furry animals, unique birds, rare fish or beautiful plants facing a 90%+ termination rate would there be worldwide protest, outrage and media coverage?</span><br />
<a href="http://www.nationalrighttolifenews.org/news/2014/06/the-most-endangered-species-in-england/#.U5tYiPldWSp">http://www.nationalrighttolifenews.org/news/2014/06/the-most-endangered-species-in-england/#.U5tYiPldWSp</a>Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-46883580746454761152014-04-18T05:19:00.002-07:002014-04-18T05:19:21.511-07:00Senator Vulakovich introduces “Chloe’s Law”“I call this bill ‘Chloe’s Law’ after an incredible child with Down Syndrome,” said Senator Vulakovich, who serves as Chairman of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee. “My legislation would simply require health care practitioners to provide complete information to women who receive a prenatal diagnosis for Down Syndrome so that they are better informed with regard to the positive outcomes of giving birth to a special child such as Chloe.”<br />
<a href="http://www.senatorvulakovich.com/2014/04/17/senator-vulakovich-introduces-chloes-law/">http://www.senatorvulakovich.com/2014/04/17/senator-vulakovich-introduces-chloes-law/</a>Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-16893046434209811242014-03-13T12:57:00.001-07:002014-03-13T12:57:08.814-07:00Down Syndrome Prenatal Education Act (“Chloe’s Law”)"Kurt Kondrich, a Pittsburgh area native and father of Chloe, a vibrant girl with Down Syndrome, has a solution for this problem. He, along with many legislators, has proposed a bill dubbed “Chloe’s Law” that would simply require certain information to be given to parents and families upon the diagnosis of Down Syndrome."<br />
<a href="http://thecapitolwatch.com/2014/03/proposed-chloes-law-on-down-syndrome-will-save-lives/">http://thecapitolwatch.com/2014/03/proposed-chloes-law-on-down-syndrome-will-save-lives/</a>Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-32825468932495828772014-01-03T10:33:00.002-08:002014-01-03T10:33:45.538-08:00Erie Times published column - "Guest Voice of Kurt A. Kondrich: Meet my amazing daughter Chloe"My amazing daughter Chloe, who turned 10 this year, attends fifth grade in her neighborhood middle school with typical peers, and she reads at a fifth-grade level. Thanks to the strong foundation Chloe received from early intervention/early childhood education, she has planted many positive seeds and become a strong advocate for all children and families.<br />
<a href="http://www.goerie.com/article/20140103/OPINION08/301039980/Guest-Voice-of-Kurt-A-Kondrich%3A-Meet-my-amazing-daughter-Chloe">http://www.goerie.com/article/20140103/OPINION08/301039980/Guest-Voice-of-Kurt-A-Kondrich%3A-Meet-my-amazing-daughter-Chloe</a>Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-43299529860351471302013-12-27T11:11:00.003-08:002013-12-27T11:11:28.254-08:00"An early Christmas gift!" - The Lock Haven Express"During my career as a police officer I witnessed the wreckage caused by not investing early in our most precious resource children. The fastest growing cost in most state budgets is corrections, and there is no positive return for this rapidly growing expense. Early Learning occurs from birth to age 5 when 85 percent plus of brain development happens, and this proven investment returns $7-$14 for every dollar spent. All facts show the overwhelming evidence that early intervention/early childhood education programs are guilty of providing unparalleled success!"<br />
<a href="http://www.lockhaven.com/page/content.detail/id/548744/An-early-Christmas-gift-.html?nav=5006">http://www.lockhaven.com/page/content.detail/id/548744/An-early-Christmas-gift-.html?nav=5006</a>Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-32603410945883126932013-12-24T07:01:00.001-08:002013-12-24T07:01:22.502-08:00Published Letter - "Priceless Education"The children of Pennsylvania received an early Christmas gift on Dec. 19 when our state was awarded $51.7 million by the U.S. Department of Education for the Race to the Top Early Learning grant. My daughter Chloe was born with Down syndrome in 2003, and my family faced uncertainty when we received her diagnosis. Early intervention/early childhood education services instilled the priceless gift of hope in our lives by focusing on Chloe’s abilities. Chloe turned 10 this year and thanks to her early foundation, she attends fifth grade in her neighborhood school with typical peers reading at grade level!<br /><a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/letters/2013/12/24/Priceless-education-1/stories/201312240015">http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/letters/2013/12/24/Priceless-education-1/stories/201312240015</a>Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-69194057759974032532013-12-22T10:44:00.003-08:002013-12-22T10:44:37.032-08:00Allegheny County Proclamation for Chloe's Advocacy Work<span class="st2">"Proclamation honoring Ms. Chloe Kondrich for serving as an advocate for persons with disabilities by breaking down barriers, increasing public awareness and changing attitudes by focusing on abilities." </span><br />
<span class="st2"><a href="https://alleghenycounty.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=1452632&GUID=4280B03C-8BBC-4E64-8578-5AF657818E4A&Options=&Search">https://alleghenycounty.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=1452632&GUID=4280B03C-8BBC-4E64-8578-5AF657818E4A&Options=&Search</a>=</span>Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-20581869168830260692013-11-19T15:19:00.001-08:002013-11-19T15:19:20.225-08:00ADVOCACY - Early Intervention and Early Childhood Education are Vital Investments<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">"I recently had the pleasure to meet with Kurt and Chloe
Kondrich to discuss the importance of early intervention and early childhood
education investments. Kurt is the co-chair of the Pennsylvania State
Interagency Coordinating Council for Early Intervention and director of
Community and Family Outreach with Early Intervention Specialists. I learned
about how Chloe, who was born with Down Syndrome, is excelling in the fifth
grade at Upper St. Clair’s Boyce Middle School and is fully included with her
peers. She is reading on grade level thanks to early intervention, which saves
thousands of dollars that would have been spent on special education. As a
former law enforcement officer, Kurt attests to the return on investment that
early intervention and early childhood education investments pays in lower
incarceration rates, public assistance costs and lost taxes, just to name a few
areas. </span></span><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you Kurt and Chloe, for meeting with me."<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #282828; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.senatormattsmith.com/enews/2013_11_4_Veterans.htm">http://www.senatormattsmith.com/enews/2013_11_4_Veterans.htm</a> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-26333031926232890042013-10-19T14:34:00.001-07:002013-10-19T14:38:14.232-07:00ADVOCACY - Early Childhood Education Caucus Capitol Press Event<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On 10/16/13 I was blessed with the opportunity
to speak at the PA Capitol during an amazing Early Childhood
Education Caucus press event. The gathering focused attention on Early
Investment and highlighted how critical Early Intervention and Early
Childhood Education programs are for children and families across Pennsylvania:
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl-xakAgWfo">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl-xakAgWfo</a> </span></span></span><br />
Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-63717259390715023432013-10-19T14:29:00.003-07:002013-10-19T14:29:43.412-07:00Chloe reads at grade level thanks to Early InterventionChloe and our family have become strong advocates for children and families in PA, and they meet with policymakers frequently to show ABILITIES and how early investment always yields a positive return for every citizen. Chloe has become friends with Governor Corbett and several other legislators, and she shows many that “The smallest voice can make the largest impact.”<br />
<a href="http://papromiseforchildren.com/chloe-k-reads-at-grade-level-thanks-to-early-intervention/">http://papromiseforchildren.com/chloe-k-reads-at-grade-level-thanks-to-early-intervention/</a>Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-87907959593116269052013-10-13T05:13:00.003-07:002013-10-13T05:13:10.553-07:00The world doesn’t know what it’s missing!"Chloe Kondrich is an energetic and delightful little girl. Together, Chloe and her father Kurt have become advocates for individuals with Down syndrome. Even as a child, she’s proving that nothing holds her back from fully enjoying life."<br /><span style="color: #de7008;"><a href="http://www.lifeissues.org/breakingnews/2013/bn10-11-13.htm">http://www.lifeissues.org/breakingnews/2013/bn10-11-13.htm</a> </span>Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-13068732744258076502013-09-26T19:11:00.001-07:002013-09-26T19:13:15.141-07:00Advocacy Feedback from Elected Official - PRICELESS! <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I distributed an Advocacy
Message <i>"A Picture is Worth Thousands of Dollars!" </i>to all
members of the PA Early Childhood Education Caucus, and I received this message
from PA Representative Anthony DeLuca: <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://youtu.be/TrvV5L9kmHU">http://youtu.be/TrvV5L9kmHU</a> </span> .
Connecting policymakers to the faces of the children we represent and serve
does make a priceless impact, and Advocacy is an ongoing commitment to make
sure these Voices are heard. <o:p></o:p></span> </span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span>Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-24742895481223553492013-09-14T06:10:00.002-07:002013-09-14T06:11:56.247-07:00Parents as Education Advocates <span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">This
month on "Focus on Education" find out how you as a parent can become
an advocate for your child in your school system. Experts will offer advice on
how to become engaged in your child’s education, by understanding your rights
and the resources available. Guests on this month’s show include Kurt
Kondrich, Chair of the Pennsylvania State Interagency Coordinating Council and
is also the Director of Family and Community Outreach for service provider
Early Intervention Specialists. </span><span style="color: #00529c; font-family: "Candara","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://pcntv.com/blog/2013/09/11/september-11-parents-as-education-advocates/">http://pcntv.com/blog/2013/09/11/september-11-parents-as-education-advocates/</a> </span></span></span>
</span> </span>Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-48338672862523089142013-09-09T17:30:00.000-07:002013-09-09T17:31:42.360-07:00Chloe and Alex - International Advocates! <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is from the Parliamentary Network
for Critical Issues, and Chloe and Alex's Voices are being heard around the
globe as International LIFE Advocates!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.pncius.org/update.aspx?id=89">http://www.pncius.org/update.aspx?id=89</a> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
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</span>Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-631777454422555825.post-56030891826310719662013-09-04T10:51:00.001-07:002013-09-04T10:51:26.709-07:00Chloe and Alex Down syndrome Advocacy VideoAlex and Chloe share their dream of being advocates for people with Down syndrome, and they talk about the positive seeds they have already planted!<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/abpjPD6sWCE" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/abpjPD6sWCE</a> Chloehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01855789883243158037noreply@blogger.com0