The Soon-To-Be Newlyweds
by Cody & Lisa Cody: We met 4 years ago at Noah’s Landing in Florida, a special needs housing community. We knew we liked each other because of the same likes, the connection we had, and the same passions. We both love Josh Grobin, music, Disney, family, love, dancing, singing, and art. I knew I […]
Welcome to the Board
Chloe Bayer My name is Chloe Bayer and I work as a Benefits and Information and Referral Specialist at Disability Advocates of Kent County and have worked for various other nonprofit organizations that serve people with disabilities in the Kent County area for the last 20 years. I am married and have three boys ages […]
My Sister Jeanie
by Toni Masullo When I was about seven years old, my Aunt Jeanie moved into my home after my grandparents could no longer care for her on their own due to multiple health problems. Being so young, I couldn’t quite understand why Jeanie looked a little different, or why she wasn’t living on her own. […]
Best Birthday Ever!
by Molly VandeWater DSAWM intern and self-advocate Molly celebrated her 32nd birthday on July 21st. From blueberry picking with her CLS worker to enjoying a Frozen 2-themed cake with friends, Molly’s birthday was a fun-filled day! I started my birthday by going out with my aid [Molly’s CLS worker] Jess. We did some blueberry picking, […]
Elvis and the 21st Chromosome
by Erin Doyle Toburen Elvis arrived in blue suede shoes, aviators, and a jumpsuit shortly before the end of my freshman year of college. Already the parents of four children – ages 10 through 18 – the thought of an infant was a decade removed from my parents’ mind when they found themselves unexpectedly expecting. […]
Living His Dream
by Liam Doyle Elvis may have left the building, but Liam is keeping the King’s legend alive with heart and style. At just 16 years old, Liam has already traveled the country performing as a bona fide Elvis Tribute Artist, or ETA. He may have a big pair of blue suede shoes to fill, but […]
A Letter from the President
by Brad Rivard I’ve become fond of the phrase “Frustration and anxiety live in the space between reality and expectation”. For Rachael and I, we really started to feel that when we got Amelia’s diagnosis of Mosaic Down syndrome when she was 15 months old. We were, and still are, the typical parents who, to […]
Summer Camp Fun
by Maria Leestma Artists Creating Together Camp People from ACT got ready for summer at art camp at Meijer Gardens. They brought yarn, wire, watercolor paint, paint brushes, rocks, crayons, glue, and balloons. The students were signed up and came Monday through Wednesday to learn about cultures and structures. Monday, we rode on the tram […]
Celebrating an Extra Chromosome
by Ruth Lee Dear Fellow Travelers My road to Independence is currently under construction. The work can be messy, noisy, irritating, and inconvenient. Ride with me. Expect speed bumps, pot holes, abrupt lane changes, unexpected curves, sudden stops. Ride with me. Construction could take days…years… a lifetime…The work may never end… Ride with me. I’m […]
