Sooner SUCCESS of Blaine County

2008-08-15T10:04:00.004-05:00

Autism Training for Parents, Providers, Family Members & Friends

Sooner SUCCESS and the Oklahoma Autism Network invite you to attend a FREE training entitled, "Creating Community Supports Today to Enhance Tomorrow for a Child with Autism".

When: Tuesday, September 23rd
Where: Chisholm Trail Technology Center (Located on Hwy 33 between Kingfisher and Watonga, OK)
Times: Registration: 8:30-9 (pre-registration is recommended)
Workshop: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The training provides a step by step process that families, friends, and service providers can use to help build community supports for an individual with autism. Obstacles such as challenging behavior and societal barriers will be addressed to give families a process that is both realistic and successful.

Presentors are Tara WArwick, MS, OTR and L Rene' Daman, MS, PT, PCS, Director of Oklahoma Autism Network.

Lunch will be available on site from 11:30 to 12:30 provided by the Chisholm Trail Tech Center chapter of the Health Ocupations Students of America. The menu will include Indian tacos, dessert, & a drink for $6.00. Exact cash amount is requested by the students.

SEATING IS LIMITED. Register today by contacting Jeannene Leffler at 405 271 6824 or by email at by email at jeannene-leffler@ouhsc.edu

2008-07-16T11:14:00.002-05:00

Resources for Oklahoma Families

To view valuable resources for Oklahoma families and friends of children and youth with special needs , visit the Champions For Inclusive Communities website page by clicking here

You can also read about the beginnings of the Sooner SUCCESS program on the State Implementation Grant link on the page entitled: Oklahoma’s Sooner SUCCESS: Building Community Capacity

Champions also emails an excellent bi monthly newsletter.
In the most current issue, the topics include:

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
'Translate Now" Bridges Communication Gaps
Issue Brief Describes Benefits of Colocation
Working with External Quality Reveiw organizations
Deadline to Submit AMCHP proposals
Webinar Discusses Genomics
Grant Helps Rural Areas Gain Access To Health Care
Case Management Model Improves Health

Click here it visit the webpage and sign up for the newsletter

2008-07-09T13:44:00.001-05:00

More Ways to Connect Children to Services

The National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM) has written a report (PDF) on how medical homes , families, audiologists, and Early Intervention Providers can ensure that children with suspected hearing loss get connected quickly to needed services. Even though the report focuses on hearing loss, the recommendations are easily relevant to all CYSCHN by serving as a good example of how health care providers can organize services for families while abiding by privacy regulations.

2008-07-05T15:45:00.002-05:00

Blaine Coalitions Strategic Planning

There will be a Blaine coalitions Strategic Planning meeting held on Tuesday, July 8, from 10:00am-3:00pm at the Watonga Nazarene Church on Hwy 33 East to determine community health projects and plans for coalition focus for 2008-09.

Lunch will be provided for those attending who RSVP to Billie Roane at 580 791 0341 or by email at billie-roane@ouhsc.edu by 2:00pm on Monday, July 7.

2008-07-04T16:41:00.004-05:00

Presidential Candidate Speaks Out on Autism

In this You Tube video, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama presents his platform concerning people with disabilities.
Click here to view the video

Sooner Start Family Forums

2008-05-28T12:57:00.002-05:00

SoonerStart of OK will be holding Family Forums across the state on June 2,3,4 and 5, 2008. These Forums are open to all families who are currently participating or have participated in the SoonerStart system.

This is an opportunity for you to learn more about the SoonerStart system evaluation and to share your thoughts, ideas and recommendations about how to improve the SoonerStart system for all Oklahoma families and their children with special needs. What we want to hear from you — what worked, what didn’t, what recommendations you have to improve SoonerStart.
Please plan to attend a forum in your community!

The Oklahoma Family Network will host the Family Forums along with the facilitators from Emerald Consulting Inc. Emerald Consulting Inc. is a nationally recognized firm with many years of experience in the evaluation of early intervention programs.
If you need special accommodations please call (405) 521-4155.

Monday, June 2, 2008
Enid Family Forum
Time: 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Location:
Garfield County Health Department
2501 Mercer Drive
Enid, Oklahoma 73701

Oklahoma City Family Forum
Time: 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Location:Francis Tuttle Technology Center
Rockwell Campus Construction and Trades Building
12777 North Rockwell Avenue
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73142

Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Norman Family Forum
Time: 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Location: Cleveland County Health Department
250 12th Avenue Northeast
Norman, Oklahoma 73071

Lawton Family Forum
Time: 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Comanche County Health Department
1010 South Sheridan
Lawton, Oklahoma 73502

Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Oklahoma City Family Forum
Time: 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Francis Tuttle Technology Center
Rockwell Campus Construction and Trades Building
12777 North Rockwell Avenue
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73142

Oklahoma City Family Forum
Time: 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Location: Francis Tuttle Technology Center
Rockwell Campus
12777 North Rockwell Avenue
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73142

Thursday, June 5, 2008
Tulsa Family Forum
Time: 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Tulsa Technology Center
Broken Arrow Campus
4600 South Olive
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74011

If you have questions, or if you require special accommodations please call (405) 521-4155.

Forum Leaders
Denise Arland
Ms Arland lives in Greenfield, Indiana, and is Executive Director of FUSE (Families United for
Support and Encouragement), a parent-to-parentorganization providing information, resources andsupport to families of children with special needs. Ms. Arland brings a unique perspective to the team as the parent of five children, three of whom have disabilities. She has been involved in the early intervention system in Indiana since her teenage quadruplets were babies. She served as a parent representative on her local planning and coordinating council and was appointed to Indiana’s Interagency Coordinating Council. Ms. Arland was elected chair of the ICC, where she served until 2003. Ms. Arland worked for seven years as a Regional Facilitator for Family to Family, a parent support initiative funded by the state’s Early Intervention System, and also worked for four years on Indiana’s transition project for young children.

Mary Jo Paladino
Ms. Paladino is the project director for the Indiana Transition Initiative for Young Children and Families. In this role, Ms. Paladino administers and coordinates technical assistance and training support for the statewide transition system for children from birth to third grade including early intervention, school systems, Head Start and other early childhood programs. She also served as the project director of the Family to Family Initiative, a statewide system for outreach to families and parent volunteers in the early intervention system. Ms. Paladino has extensive experience in compliance monitoring serving as the project director for compliance monitoring in Indiana and as a consultant for compliance monitoring in Colorado. She has developed and implemented curriculum related to transition, family issues and Financial Case Management. Ms. Paladino is the parent of five young adults, several of whom have special needs.

Free Publications: A Model for the IEP

2008-04-25T07:26:00.003-05:00

The latest edition of the newsletter, Special Ed Advocate, featured the below information for free publications of interest to parents who have children with an Individualized Education Program.

The Federal Regulations (34 CFR §§300.320-300.328) specify the procedures that school districts must follow to develop, review, and revise the IEP for each child.
The Model Form: IEP describes required elements in the IEP including present levels of academic achievement and functional performance and measurable annual goals.
A Guide to the Individualized Education Program published by the U. S. Department of Education. This guide was developed by the U.S. Department of Education, with the assistance of the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY).

You may sign up for the newsletter at: http://www.wrightslaw.com/

Summer Program for Oklahoma Students with Visual Impairments

2008-04-21T19:48:00.003-05:00

Catch the Reading Bug! A Summer Program for School Age Children who Are blind or visually impaired Age 6-18.

Students must be on an IEP as a student with a visual impairment, must meet eligibility requirements, must be eligible for 1st grade, and must demonstrate age-appropriate independent living skills. New students must have been seen by an OSB Outreach Coordinator or have been evaluated at OSB.Program Provides: Unique Educational Opportunities
Disability-Specific Skill Training
Reinforcement of Academic Skills
Access to Specialized Equipment and Leisure Time Activities

When: Monday, June 2, 2008 - Friday, June 27, 2008
Where: Oklahoma School for the Blind 3300 Gibson Street, Muskogee, OK 74403 There is No Charge for the Program. If your local school does not dismiss prior to the beginning date, your child can still attend the Summer Program.

FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION, CONTACT: Sherry Holder, Outreach Coordinator, Eastern Oklahoma Robert Warren or Carolyn Sheppard, Principals Karen Kizzia, Superintendent 918-781-8200 or 1-877-229-7136 (Toll Free)

Nutrition: A Piece of the Autism Puzzle

2008-04-11T23:49:00.004-05:00

An Oklahoma Autism Network Workshop

Elizabeth Strickland, MS, RD, LD - Registered Dietitian
ASD Nutrition Seminars & Consulting

May 17, 2008 - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

This one – day workshop will provide an overview of the importance of nutrition therapy as a component of the comprehensive treatment of Autism and related disorders. Elizabeth will explain how nutrition can have a positive impact on your child’s behavior, mood, learning, memory, attention, sleep and brain function. Other topics covered include basic supplements, lab test, GFCF Diet, healing the gastrointestinal tract and feeding problems. Elizabeth will present her 10-Step ASD Nutrition Plan. Parents will leave with a basic nutrition intervention plan to implement at home for their child.

Elizabeth has over twenty-five years experience as a Pediatric Dietitian providing individual nutrition therapy, training professionals and parents, and coordinating nutrition services statewide in Texas for children with disabilities (Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD and ADHD). She has presented at local, national and international conferences of professional organizations. Elizabeth has a private practice in San Antonio, Texas and also provides nutrition consultation to families nation-wide via telephone.

For registration information, contact :
Kacey Denton, Special Programs Coordinator
Oklahoma Autism Network
EFFORT Project
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
1600 N. Phillips Oklahoma City, OK 73104
Telephone: (405) 271-2131 ext:47126
kacey-denton@ouhsc.edu

Autism -Unraveling The Mystery

2008-03-30T08:40:00.004-05:00

Autism is what every parent of an autistic child says it is. It also is what doctors and scientists say it is. Parents, people with autism and doctors agree on many aspects of the brain disorder. They disagree on a number of issues as well. There are contradictions and controversies and perhaps, above all else, moving and emotional stories to be told about autism and its impact on individuals and the people who love them.

There is so much to autism that CNN has begun special coverage titled "Autism - Unraveling the Mystery." This broad, deep examination of autism is being featured online and on CNN, CNN International and Headline News

On Wednesday, the U.N. World Autism Awareness Day, the coverage continues with more online material and an hourlong special simulcast on CNN and CNNI. "We Have Autism" focuses on the experiences of families living with autism around the world. The program airs at 12 p.m. ET/4 p.m. GMT.

On Wednesday night, be sure to watch a special hour of Anderson Cooper 360 reported by Gupta. "Finding Amanda" tells the story of one woman's atypical life with autism. We see the way she interacts and communicates with the world and how she inspires a young man named D.J. "Finding Amanda" airs at 11 p.m. ET.CNN's reporting on the global impact, latest science and controversies related to autism is designed to raise awareness of this brain disorder and provide useful information and insight

Visit the CNN website for more information at http://www.cnn.com

Study Finds Individuals with Dyslexia More Likely to Become Millionaires

2008-03-20T09:21:00.003-05:00

In an attempt to learn more about the minds of millionaires, a team of psychologists and business experts, spent a day testing a group of entrepreneurial millionaires. They were put through a series of tests. Fourty percent of the 300 millionaires who participated in the more comprehensive study had been diagnosed withdyslexia. Adrian Atkinson, a business psychologist who worked with the research group, noted that "Most people who make a million have difficult childhoods or have been frustrated in a major way. Dyslexia is one of the driving forces behind that." (The Sunday Times, October 5, 2003).

Ali Bazley, of the British Dyslexia Association, suggests that dyslexics who struggle make up for it by being more creative, and looking at the bigger picture. "People with dyslexia, are often very good lateral and strategic thinkers." (Express & Echo, Exeter, October 8, 2003.)

Another reason individuals with dyslexia may do well is the fact that due to their academic struggles they often find themselves outside of the mainstream social groups in school. Feeling alone, they compensate by spending time exploring ideas, learning new strategies, and working to find a model of success.

Sir Richard Branson, a billionaire and the head of Virgin Industries, made his first million by the age of 18. He is dyslexic. Walt Disney, and Donald Winkler, former CEO of Ford Credit, are other very successful people with learning disabilities.

What else did the study find about millionaires? Millionaires know that mistakes are OK. They know speed is the key to business advantage and they work within their strengths. Rene Caraylol, a business adviser and another member of the research team, stated "They don't do failure, they redefine it. (Excerpt from Family Voices of Oklahoma March newsletter)

We Need To Hear From You!

2008-03-10T16:49:00.005-05:00

Sooner SUCCESS is currently conducting a Community Needs Assessment for Blaine, Canadian, Creek, Garfield, Kingfisher, Logan, Major, Tulsa, and Rogers County and we need your opinion!
If you are the parent, grandparent or guardian of a child with special needs or a professional who works with children with special needs and/or their families, then we are looking for you!
Our survey can be completed in 5 minutes, but your participation is vital. We need to hear from you which issues are the most important in your county.

Do we need more mental health counselors that serve children?
Is it hard to find a dentist that will accept Sooner Care?
Are the specialists your child needs too far away to see without missing time from work?
Does your church need help figuring out how to include your child?
Do you want to connect with other parents for support, but don't know how to find the

Sooner SUCCESS wants to put the collective energy and resources of our coalition to work solving our county's most urgent challenges, but first we need to hear from YOU which issues are the most important.
To Request A Survey:

Contact Billie Roane at 580 791 0341 or by email at billie-roane@ouhsc.edu.

Completed surveys can be returned by pre-paid postal mail to the OU Child Study Center (envelopes are provided with each survey)

The survey can also be completed online at: http://soonersuccess.oucpm.org

And as our way of saying thank you, all family members who complete the survey with contact information will be entered in a drawing for a $50.00 Gift Card!

Don't Delay!! The survey ends March 31, 2008!

Wrightslaw Website and Newsletter

2008-03-10T00:35:00.003-05:00

The Wrightslaw newsletter and website provide trustworthy information and support for families and individulas with disabiblites. Here is an excerpt from the Special Ed Advocate newsletter with information on how to receive the newsletter by email.

One obstacle in advocating for a child with a disability is finding the time to do research. We spend hours collecting information so you can spend your time learning, not searching.
Download a free copy of New Career Paths for Students with Disabilities. Go to the Wrightslaw College page, Download Free Pub.

Here's a free Financial Aid Resource Guide.
Federal Financial Aid and College: An Overview for Students with Disabilities. This resource guide contains:
federal financial aid programs
state vocational rehabilitation services
regional and local sources
a listing of nationally awarded grants
a pre-college checklist to search for funds
Free Pubs PageWhen you visit our Free Pubs page, you can download free publications about IEPs, special education, transition, reading, children's mental health, discipline and behavior, harassment, high-stakes testing, retention and social promotion, and No Child Left Behind. We continually add new publications, so the contents of the Free Pubs page changes often

This issue of the Special Ed Advocate provides loads of resources, in-depth information guides, and good advice about planning for the transition to further education.
Sign up free today!

Wednesday, March 5th- Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day 2008

2008-02-25T14:35:00.002-06:00

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day 2008 is Wednesday, March 5th, 10 a.m.State Capitol, south steps N.E. 23rd St., Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City. Join people from around the state for a rally on the south steps of the State Capitol to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day in Oklahoma.

This is the day that people with developmental disabilities, families, advocates, professionals and providers join together to make their voices heard. It’s a great showing of strength and unity and a time to meet with your legislators about the issues that are important to you. The day begins with speeches and a rally on the south steps at 10 a.m. Then you’re off to visit with your legislators. It’s a good idea to call your legislators now and encourage them to attend this event or schedule an appointment to visit with them sometime during that day. If you do not know who your legislators are, call your local county election board or visit http://lsb.state.ok.us/ and choose "Find Your Legislator".

Accessible parking is located at the base of the south steps of the capitol. Public parking includes the south lot of the capitol, a parking lot east of the capitol (across Lincoln Blvd. at 23rd St. and Phillips Ave) and at the neighboring Jim Thorpe Building. For more information on this event, call the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services Division at (405) 521-3571.

Special security precautions to be observed: Please be aware that our state capitol may be placed at an increased level of security at any time. When entering the capitol building, you will be required to pass through a metal detector and run all purses and other bags through an x-ray scanner. You may also be asked to show a government issued photo I.D. For people who do not have a photo I.D., the I.D. of the group leader or personal assistant will suffice. Picket signs are allowed outside the capitol building but cannot be brought inside.

Supporters and participants in Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day are: The Oklahoma Department of Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services Division, The Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council, Oklahoma Association of Persons in Supported Employment, Oklahoma Community-Based Providers Association, Oklahoma Network of Community Options and Resources, Oklahoma People First, TARC, and the Tulsa Community Services Council Alliance on Disabilities.

Empowering The Autism Community

2008-02-21T12:16:00.004-06:00

AutismSpot.com is the fastest growing FREE online resource for the global Autism Community. AutismSpot uses streaming video to provide the latest in education and information to the global Autism Community. In the first 90 days, AutismSpot has changed lives in more than 20 countries and is growing daily. This is the first unbiased, complete online community providing expert videos, blogs, forums and the latest news dedicated to the Autism Community.

Please join us in sharing this FREE resource with your friends, clients, professionals, and others who will benefit from this extensive offering. Change a life by sharing the gift of AutismSpot with someone you know.

If you would like AutismSpot informational material to distribute, please reply to: jeff@autismspot.com.

Sponsors and Partnerships are the key to making this valuable resource FREE. If you are interested in becoming a Partner or Sponsor please contact:
Jeffrey Smith
Director of Partnership Marketing
888.317.8074 x 701
jeff@autismspot.com

Important Information from the Developemental Disabilities Council

2008-02-19T11:56:00.006-06:00

The Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council has recently updated their website. They now offer several excellent publications in PDF format that can be downloaded or printed directly from their website.

Here are 3 Don't Miss Items:

The Consumer Involvement Fund - The Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council annually sets aside funds to assist advocates in the field of developmental disabilities to participate in conferences and short-term educational programs. That means that parents who want to attend educational workshops and conferences can apply for financial assistance to help cover the cost. Check out the brochure for details:http://okddc.ok.gov/council_publications.html

Watch Your Words - If you've ever gotten frustrated because someone spoke about your child or student with special needs in a disrespectful way ......this is the educational tool you've been looking for.
Click here for basic tutorial for People First Language: http://okddc.ok.gov/council_publications.html

Tips for First Responders - This file contains a set of cards designed specifically for police, fire and emergency medical personnel for use in their vehicles. The cards contain helpful information about how to recognize and respond appropriately to people with disabilities. This may be life saving information for someone you love....do the first responders in your community know what to do? Print them a copy here:http://okddc.ok.gov/council_publications.html

"On The Road" Family Perspective Conferences

2008-02-08T12:18:00.000-06:00

OASIS is sponsoring the following one-day conferences about services available from Oklahoma social service agencies and organizations. Conference speakers will provide information about how to access services for individuals with disabilities and their families. There is no fee to attend the conference, but registration is required. For information about receiving a respite voucher to attend either conference, call Sally Selvidge with OASIS at 1-800-426-2747.

Tuesday, February 26 – Burns Flat, OK – 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The conference will be held at the Western Technology Center-Burns Flat Campus, 621 Sooner Drive, Burns Flat, OK. The registration deadline is Friday, February 22, 2008. For more information or to register, call Jeanette Atha at (580) 323-2100 or Mike Kiser at (580) 832-3391 or Mike.Kiser@okdhs.org.

Tuesday, March 11 – Vinita, OK – 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The conference will be held at the Emmanuel Temple Church, 437551 East Highway 60, Vinita, OK. The registration deadline is Friday, March 7, 2008. For more information or to register, call Jonnie Morse at (800) 572-6844 or (918) 713-5000.

Safety On The Internet Highway

2008-02-07T10:09:00.000-06:00

Parents and Educators

Learn about the dangers and advantages
of Social Networking and other online Resources

Wesley Fryer—AT&T Educator
“Beyond the Fear Factor"

Friday, February 8, 2008 @ 4:00—5:00 pm
Watonga Public Library 301 N Prouty

Sponsored by Watonga Public Library, Friends of the Library,
Geary Public Library, OSU Extension , BCCHAT & Sooner SUCCESS

“You Need to Know Me”

2008-02-07T00:02:00.001-06:00

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day 2008
Wednesday, March 5th, 10 a.m.
State Capitol, south steps
N.E. 23rd St., Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City

Join people from around the state for a rally on the south steps of the State Capitol to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day in Oklahoma. This is the day that people with developmental disabilities, families, advocates, professionals and providers join together to make their voices heard. It’s a great showing of strength and unity and a time to meet with your legislators about the issues that are important to you.

The day begins with speeches and a rally on the south steps at 10 a.m. Then you’re off to visit with your legislators. It’s a good idea to call your legislators now and encourage them to attend this event or schedule an appointment to visit with them sometime during that day. If you do not know who your legislators are, call your local county election board or visit http://lsb.state.ok.us/ and choose "Find Your Legislator".

Accessible parking is located at the base of the south steps of the capitol. Public parking includes the south lot of the capitol, a parking lot east of the capitol (across Lincoln Blvd. at 23rd St. and Phillips Ave) and at the neighboring Jim Thorpe Building. For more information on this event, call the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services Division at (405) 521-3571.

Special security precautions to be observed: Please be aware that our state capitol may be placed at an increased level of security at any time. When entering the capitol building, you will be required to pass through a metal detector and run all purses and other bags through an x-ray scanner. You may also be asked to show a government issued photo I.D. For people who do not have a photo I.D., the I.D. of the group leader or personal assistant will suffice. Picket signs are allowed outside the capitol building but cannot be brought inside.

Supporters and participants in Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day are: The Oklahoma Department of Human Services Developmental Disabilities Services Division, The Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council, Oklahoma Association of Persons in Supported Employment, Oklahoma Community-Based Providers Association, Oklahoma Network of Community Options and Resources, Oklahoma People First, TARC, and the Tulsa Community Services Council Alliance on Disabilities.

Family Members Welcome!

2008-02-06T20:16:00.000-06:00

The term "family friendly" applies to how and to what extent organizations involve, welcome, and value the participation of family members in every aspect of the organization.

The Ohio Family Support Council developed two Family Friendly Check Lists: one for families and one for staff in organizations. The checklists can help organizations determine if they have adopted family friendly practices and may give their staff ideas for improving family friendly approaches in specific areas. Organizational administrators can compare staff perceptions to family member responses.

The checklists can be found at: http://http://olrs.ohio.gov/Other/checklistagency.pdf
and http://http://olrs.ohio.gov/Other/checklistfamily.pdf .

2008 Governor's Conference on Developmental Disabilities

2008-01-31T12:59:00.000-06:00

Mark Your Calendars!
The 2008 Governor’s Conference on Developmental Disabilities will be held April 10 & 11 at the Cox Convention Center in OKC.

You won’t want to miss this great conference or the premier of the documentary “Wagons to Waivers: A Century of Change”, narrated by Reba McEntire.

Look for more information soon. Registration will be available online in March through a link on the OKDHS Website at http://okdhs.org

Disability awareness comes in many colors

2008-01-29T13:00:00.000-06:00

For many parents and professionals it can be challenging to find effective ways to talk about inclusion and disability awareness with young children. But you know what? Sometimes we are just making it too hard.

The folks at the Wyoming Institute on Disabilities have got the right idea ..... just go back to what kids know & love. In this case, coloring! They have started a coloring book project and the first book is now available as a PDF download online.

The series features Sam and his friends as he learns about the differences and similarities between himself and his friends with disabilities. The first book focuses on a young boy who uses a wheelchair. Future books are planned with focuses on other types of disabilities such as blindness, cognitive disabilities, cerebral palsy, etc. The books are designed to help adults start discussions and to help kids understand that differences are just a natural part of life.

To check out the first coloring book, entitled "Play Ball" --- click here