Joshua (8), Other, Hamilton County

“I don’t want to burden Joshua, but at the same time I want him to know he is a part of his success story. ”

Cassidy (13), Other, Shelby County

“It is easy to feel alone.”

Thomas (13), Other, Shelby County

“Thomas does not fit into any of the IDEA categories, so he receives insufficient school services.”

Diego (9), Autism, Montgomery County

“There should be strict laws for the day care centers to protect my child from being turned down because he has a disability.”

Joey (Age 13), Autism, Davidson County

“When Joey was first diagnosed with autism, I came across an article that said children with autism oftentimes grow up with very few friends. That hurt. I look to his school as a place where he can be with others. When he is out of school, I hope we will find new places where he can be with his peers.”

Meghan (Age 10), Down Syndrome, Rutherford County

“I think there are a large number of parents out there with kids with disabilities who are unaware of the services out there.”

Brooke (Age 7), Epilepsy, Davidson County

“Early assessment and intervention combined with a holistic approach to treatment are the things that have made the greatest difference in Brooke’s life.”