Tag: special needs

Would you rather have 100 casual acquaintances or one special friend?

It’s a no-brainer, right? We all long to have someone special in our lives. But that can be tricky when the world only sees your disabilities.

Ciera Ball is mostly nonverbal, was diagnosed with autism and has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). That can be a tough combination when forming attachments ... Read More


The people we interact with today will be a tiny bit changed because of us. Hopefully, they’ll be changed for the good, but if we’re not careful, maybe not.

When we smile at the clerk at the grocery store and ask how she’s doing today, we’re adding light and positivity into her life. When we forget to make eye contact or ... Read More


Taryn Skees is a mom just like me. She’s a writer and a speaker who is passionate about the power of kindness.

But Taryn’s drive to spread the message of kindness didn’t come from a spontaneous act of kindness that transformed her life. It came from the birth of her son.

Taryn’s 9-year-old son, Aiden, has a rare craniofacial condition called Apert ... Read More


Some of the most amazing teachers don’t ever get to stand up in front of the class. They don’t get to use the staff lounge or open gifts of appreciation at the end of the year. They are teachers who masquerade as students who have special needs.

Dawn Bolstad is passionate about working with students who, she says, teach without saying ... Read More