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Thursday, March 7, 2013

See My Ability Not My Disability


On March 1, 2013, my little family had the pleasure of attending an event at the Oak Lawn Children’s Museum called “See My Ability, Not My Disability.”  The evening was a celebration of our special children.  This event was organized by Holly Simon, the mother of a Down’s Syndrome child, who is also the person to thank for Holly Days, a similar event at the Beverly Arts Center in Chicago.

 

My kids had a great time playing at the museum, as they always do.  Healthy snacks were set up in the party room.  There were vendors set up throughout the second floor.  I’d like to make mention of a few…

 

I Am Who I Am.  This 501(c)(3) charity gives baby blankets, encouragement and support to newly born special children and their families.  An excerpt from the flyer I received: 

 

“…Can you imagine hearing the words, ‘sorry’ after your child was born? Can you imagine the lack of eye contact, the cold room and the feeling of doom?  I endured those moments.  I am here to erase those words from every delivery room.  Nathaniel did and does not deserve an ‘I’m sorry’.  He and the entire special community should be congratulated each and every day.”

 

Amen to that!  Their website is:  www.iam-whoiam.com.

 

One of the authors (Marianne Walsh) of “Epic Mom: Failing Every Day a Little Bit More than You” was there signing copies of the book. The book is a series of anecdotes any parent can relate to, not just those of us in the special community.  This book is available on www.amazon.com or to email for more information epicmombook@gmail.com.

 

Literature from Giant Steps in Lisle, Illinois was on one of the tables.  I’ve heard many wonderful things about this place.  They provide education, therapeutic and recreational services to ASD families and they have been around since 1996.  For more information, go to www.mygiantsteps.org or email gslemmons@mygiantsteps.org.

 

Last but not least – a lovely young lady who happens to have Down’s had a table set up to sell jewelry she had made and was also making jewelry on the spot.  Her name is Kelly Neville.  Her work is beautiful.  I bought one of her bracelets.  Her website is www.specialsparkle.com and she does special orders as well as home parties. 

 

It was a fun evening and a great event.  Holly Simon, thanks for the inspiration! J