Newberry High’s special education room feels like a gym for life skills rather than just a classroom. Students here practice grocery lists, job interviews, and problem-solving instead of just reading from textbooks. One teenager sums it up this way: “She’s not just a teacher—she’s a coach for the ga
Brenda Hebert's journey into education was not planned. It was not until she was older that she found her calling. She wanted to work with students who have special needs. Her passion for teaching began at J. I. Watson, where she started as a substitute teacher in October 2008. One of her first stud
Tyrone Rodgers, a former NFL player, is making a difference in the lives of people with special needs through his Christmas tree business. Rodgers Christmas Trees, located in Anaheim, is not just about selling trees; it's about providing opportunities and teaching valuable skills to those who often
In a small town near Detroit, a retired couple found a unique way to connect with their grandchildren. Jacklin and Tom Kinzer started sharing stories through two stuffed animals, a dog and a bear, to keep in touch with their grandkids. They posted pictures of these stuffed animals on Facebook, and s
The Oregon Public Library is buzzing with holiday activities this December. Kids can meet Santa in a calm setting on December 6th. This event is perfect for families with children who have autism or special needs. The library is teaming up with Easter Seals to make this Santa visit extra welcoming.
Nina, a 17-year-old with severe autism, is a familiar face in Newburyport, known for her outgoing personality and her service dog, Raja. She loves her daily outings with her mom, Sarah, whether it's cycling together or swimming at the YMCA. The community has welcomed Nina with open arms, but there's
Imagine trying to get a good night's sleep while juggling the unique challenges of caring for a child with special needs. It's a tough gig, and it's not just about feeling tired the next day. Sleep is a big deal for everyone, but for moms with school-aged kids who have developmental disabilities, it
Imagine a school where kids with autism can feel safe, understood, and cared for. That's what the Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE) offers. This nonprofit school has been helping kids with moderate to severe autism since 1989. They have two campuses in Santa Clara and Sunnyvale, where over
Meet Melanie Ray, a mom who wanted to make a difference for kids like her daughter, Victoria. Victoria has Down syndrome and autism, and Melanie saw a need for a safe space where kids with special needs could have fun and make friends. So, she started Victoria's Place in 2018. At Victoria's Place,
Imagine tuning into "Abbott Elementary," a show that dives deep into the real issues plaguing schools today. It's not just about teachers and students, but also about how low pay can lead to teacher shortages. Have you ever thought about how hard it is for schools to support differently abled studen
