Holy cow, you guys. I got this message this week and I cannot tell you how much it makes my heart smile knowing we are making some sort of difference in other communities. When we started this gig shortly after Ruby was born, never in my wildest dreams did I think we would be able to touch so many lives. My heart is so GRATEFUL and so happy to be able to help in some way!
  

“Hi Liz! 

I just wanted to let you know of something that happened in our community that is a direct result of all you and your family do! We live just outside of NYC and my typical son is in 3rd grade at a lovely public school. Though my daughter with DS is only 2.5, I have chatted with the administration about her and I try to bring her with me whenever there are events at the school. In my mind I am getting them used to the idea that she will go there and be fully included when the time comes ???? 

A few weeks ago I shared Ruby’s video on the Parent’s Association Facebook page, “introducing” my Frankie (though she is already a minor neighborhood celebrity!) and explaining how I thought it was such a beautiful story of inclusion. As a direct result, I have been asked to co-chair a committee to inform the Parents Association and school on how we can be more inclusive in all of our activities. It’ll be our job to come up with ideas, with the input of our parents of children with special needs, on how to make events and extracirricular activities more accessible. For example, at yesterday’s Halloween party, the school provided a quiet room for those who needed time away from the fray. Parents were able to weigh in on what should be in the room and how it should be used. 

I love that our school is receptive to this type of thing, but I thank you and Ruby for being the catalyst that promotes the change! You are helping to make our community that much friendlier for all children and providing me with the tools to lay the groundwork for my daughter to be fully included in the future. 

So, we just wanted to say a very heartfelt thank you! Keep up the amazing work! We so appreciate all you do!

Love,
Farah and Frankie Lyner”

Oh my goodness!! My heart is so full!! Happy Friday!!  

Here is the YouTube link to the Inclusion Video if you needed it to share: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBz6glO5x5Q&t=9s