When fraternal twins Kyle and Ryan were born in 2004, their mother,
Rebecca Christiansen,
quickly discovered how much they were different yet the same. More importantly, she discovered that children with Down syndrome are more the same than different than other children. Being a nurse, she was shocked to find that health care professionals do not always shape a positive first impression of a life with a baby with a disability. And so, in April of 2007, Rebecca, her family and friends founded Celebrate Differences to share the message with everyone that a baby with a disability is a celebration of life, not an end!
08" Was Great!
In 2008, Celebrate Differences accomplished the following:
Granted two $1000 scholarships
Sponsored a Touchmath 4 You seminar
We were granted our first grant.
Hosted our second annual Glow Bowl for Disabilities
Started SPARK , to support the families in District 308 and beyond.
Our Mission
Celebrate Differences is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities in reaching their fullest potential by providing positive resources and information to families, communities and health care providers while promoting a competent level of awareness and understanding.
More specifically we provide:
Information on and referrals to local resources for children with special needs.
Educational workshops and training on various topics to educate parents and professionals to better meet a child's needs at home, in school and in the community.
Networking opportunities through support groups, events, workshops and training.
Resource library of books and videos on various special needs topics.
SPARK - Special Parents Alliance for Resources and Knowledge, an educational parent group that meets monthly.
Scholarships to individuals with a disability and to siblings and or peers studying in a specified area. (see below for more information.)
Our Vision
Our vision is to foster a community of acceptance which promotes the best opportunities for individuals with disabilities to exceed expectations and achieve their dreams.
The personal qualities of our board members
are critical to the success of our organization. Our members have the ability to see the big
picture,the integrity to serve those with
disabilities and the
knowledge, dedication and commitment to
support individuals with
disabilities in reaching
their fullest potential.
Please click below to learn more about our members.
