Search Results: special needs
Why Can't Playgrounds Be For Special Needs Kids Too?
“How come we never see a child with a disability at a park?” This casual remark from the parent of a child with a developmental disability inspired the idea of Kilikili, an organization dedicated to creating play spaces for ALL children, including those with disabilities. The founders of Kilikili realized that while some parks have…
Amanda Gorman – Using Her Special Gifts to Transform the World!
You may have seen Amanda Gorman, the 22-year-old poet, recite her poem “The Hill We Climb” at the recent Presidential Inauguration Ceremony. Her words and performance were spectacular and were acclaimed across the world. But what is even more spectacular is the story of how Amanda arrived at this moment and the lessons she offers…
John McFall – From Paralympian to Para-astronaut!
John McFall’s life story is so inspiring that it could take up a few different stories on IMK! Faced with many challenges in his life, John has never let them stop him. Despite having his leg amputated as a young man, he has gone on to be first a champion Paralympic athlete and more recently…
Jessica Long – “The Only Disability in Life is a Negative Attitude”
Jessica Long, from Baltimore, Maryland, USA is a champion by all definitions of the word. She is one of the world’s most decorated swimmers. Jessica was the youngest athlete, at 12 years old, to win a Paralympics medal. And she is now on a mission to inspire the next generation of Paralympic athletes. But her…
No arms, No problem – Meet Richie Parker, NASCAR champion
Richie Parker has never listened to people telling him what he could not do. Born without arms, he and his parents did not let this stop him from having a normal childhood. This attitude served him well as he became an adult. His amazing perseverance and focus has enabled him to not only live independently,…
Chris Nikic – An Ironman Inside and Out!
Chris Nikic just did the impossible! At least what people thought was impossible. But apparently, he did not get the message! Chris, a 21-year-old young man from Maitland, Florida, completed an Ironman triathlon. An Ironman consists of a 112 mile run a 2.4-mile swim and a 26.2-mile run. While this is an amazing accomplishment for…
Sean Stutman – A 5 Year Old Geography Superstar Rises Above!
Sean Stutman is, in many ways, a very typical 5-year-old boy. He loves to play with cars and blocks. He loves to hang out with his siblings and friends. He loves any sport with a ball. He does his chores every day just like his brothers and sister. He loves to read and, occasionally, watch…
A World of Difference – Great Quotes for Kids About Diversity and Tolerance
Everyday, our classrooms, neighborhoods and communities become more diverse (or different). People from different countries, cultures, religions and with unique abilities, religions and beliefs continue to spread out around the world. Different skin colors, languages, physical abilities and clothes are some of the types of diversity that we experience every day. How we respond to this diversity will…
Jennifer Bricker – Gymnast Born Without Legs Shows That 'Everything is Possible'
The story of Jennifer Bricker is one of the most amazing ones we have have ever featured on IMK! It is full of both great life lessons and great surprises. It is a story everyone should know. Jennifer was born in Romania without any legs. She was later adopted by a loving American family, the Bricker’s, and…
12 Year Old Ross Salvo – How to Live an Awesome ‘Rossome’ Life!
Ross Salvo, a 12-year-old boy from Newtown, CT, was a very special human being! He was special in the way he lived, in the way he served, in the way he cared about others and in the way he overcame challenges. In short, Ross was simply awesome ROSSome! ROSS’s EARLY DAYS Ross was a twin and…
