We found 293 posts for Special Needs
The Kiran Centre – A Place Where "Souls Rise to the Surface"!
On a typical day at the Kiran Centre in India, among other things, you will find one person learning to make toys, another studying literature and learning public speaking, and yet another playing on a trampoline! The Kiran Centre is a wonderful place where skills are taught, talents are developed, and lives are greatly improved for the…
Miss Amazing Inc. – Giving the Word Pageant A Whole New Meaning
For Jordan Somer, pageants have always been a very positive part of her life, helping her to find self-confidence, define and achieve goals, and feel good about herself. As a teenager, Jordan added another source of inspiration to her life when she helped out with the Special Olympics. The Special Olympics inspired her because she…
Aisha Chaudhary – Hopeful, Determined, and Wise Beyond Her Years!
In many ways, Aisha Chaudhary is a typical 15-year-old girl – she likes to dance, is interested in modeling, and enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dogs. But in one very significant way, Aisha is different – you see, she has a rare immune deficiency disorder and was not expected to even live to her…
Timmy "Mini" Tyrrell – "Burn Rubber to Help Another"
Eight-year-old Timmy Tyrrell goes by the nickname “Mini”, but his heart and his dedication to helping others are anything but. When Mini learned that his friend Ella got cancer, he wanted to help, and he knew just what he could do….. Mini loves go-kart racing, so he decided to take this passion and use it to raise money to…
AngelRide – Pedaling With a Powerful Purpose!
AngelRide is an annual event, held in Connecticut, that truly lives up to its name. AngelRide is a cycling event that began in 2004 to help raise money for kids with cancer. Its name comes from Angela “Angel” Uihlein, a 20-year-old who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2002 but now is cancer-free! The people who participate in…
Freedom Service Dogs – Taking "Man's Best Friend" to a Whole New Level!
It is often said that dogs are man’s best friend. Well, this has never been more true than with a very special group of dogs called Freedom Service Dogs. These dogs, who originally come from shelters, are specially trained to be able to help people with everyday tasks. And the people they help? Disabled veterans! When Freedom…
Gillian Lynne – Born to Dance Magically and Help Others Do the Same!
When Gillian Lynne was a young girl, she struggled in school. She had a hard time focusing and fidgeted a lot, so much so that her mother took her to a doctor to get help. And help the doctor did, but not in the way Gillian’s mother expected……the doctor turned on a radio and left Gillian alone in the…
Geeta Castelino – Realizing Her Dreams Despite Her Disability
When Geeta Castelino was two years old, she was diagnosed with polio, a disease that took away her speech and caused her to lose the use of her feet and her right hand. But Geeta had dreams of a happy life, and she wasn’t going to let her polio get in the way of them. Through therapy, she regained…
Ben Comen – Giving His All For a Place to Belong
When 18-year-old Ben Comen was born with cerebral palsy, his parents thought that their son would never walk. However, Ben saw things differently. His greatest desire was to have a place to belong, and for that Ben was willing to overcome his physical limitations and not just walk but run! Throughout his childhood, Ben tried to…
World Autism Awareness Day – Shining a Bright Light on Autism
Do you know anyone with autism? Even if you don’t think you do, chances are that you HAVE encountered an autistic person. That’s because autism occurs on a wide spectrum, with its symptoms ranging from mild to severe. And actually, about 1 in 110 people have this condition! In order to increase recognition of autism…