Q&A with Jennifer Greening, author of Opening Doors, Opening Lives

In the book Opening Doors, Opening Lives, Plymouth resident Jennifer Greening, recounts the challenges and joys of getting her daughter, Marissa, integrated into the general education system. She shares information that parents of children with special needs can use for their own child’s educational journey.

(Read our review of the book here.)

What gave you the inspiration to write about your experiences with your daughter?

One day a mother came to me with a desperate look on her face and asked, "How do you feel about inclusion?" I don't think she was truly asking my opinion, she was looking advice and encouragement. To help her, she needed to understand my education and experiences. Through my work as a teacher and a parent, I was constantly in contact with people in our situation, but there wasn't a book to help them.

How did your family react to the idea of you writing about such a personal journey?

We believe that we have a responsibility to help other families. Everything we learned should be used to help others.

You are very honest about your emotions and experiences. What was it like to sit down and read it all, once the book was complete?

It was a great feeling of accomplishment. Our experiences in the book helped us develop the solid understanding that people with disabilities are important members of every aspect of life.

What experiences since you've published the book have meant the most to you?

This year I received The Arc of Northwest Wayne County's Member of the Year Award. The Arc is a national organization that supports people with disabilities and has greatly supported our family. It was wonderful to be recognized by such an important organization. I am honored to meet the families that are using my book to help them. They are desperate to be good parents to their children with disabilities and I am grateful to be able to help. The book is being used by teachers from preschool to the university classroom. I have enjoyed being a part of their work.

Have you gotten feedback from people in the special education field?

The special education teachers are the support to the general education teachers and their students. Many general education teachers are appreciative and relieved to learn how to successfully include children with disabilities into their classrooms. Many special education teachers are grateful for a resource to share with the teachers and parents that they support.

I loved your husband's quote, "Save Marissa first. Save the world second." Do you think the book helps you accomplish both those goals?

Yes, we are working on accomplishing both of those goals! By giving our daughter a rich, beautiful life we influence how other people feel about people with disabilities.

How are Marissa and your family doing now?

We are doing remarkably well. Life is fun again. We are living in the hopes and dreams we had for our family before learning our daughter had "disabilities." We feel confident that Marissa has a very important role in this world and it is an honor to help her through it.

Any thoughts about writing another book?

Yes, there are many more topics that will be helpful to parents and teachers. Currently I am speaking nationally and promoting this book.