#special needs network

[photographybyhamilton]

Spent some time today with SNN founder Areva Martin. The Annual Tools for Transformation Conference is this weekend... and, it’s free. For info visit SNNLA.ORG @Specialneedsla @arevamartin

[photographybyhamilton]

Special Needs Network Los Angeles

#SouthLAGotGame press conference and Rally at the Expo Center in Los Angeles.

[photographybyhamilton]

Soulshocka has a dream. He shared it with the #SNNeus audience. Minutes after leaving the stage, this happened. Be inspired. Special Needs Network Sheila...

I always focus on story. There are times where stills alone are inadequate. This is one of those moments. I watched his parents very closely from afar. So much pride. Autism... yes. But, Rio has a dream. I can't even imagine their joy after #SNNeus. What a beautiful night!

[photographybyhamilton]

Opening Day of Camp JPAC 2014

A short video from opening day of Camp JPAC. Such a great summer option for children with special needs in Los Angeles.

Listen to what a few special needs parents have to say about the experience.

[photographybyhamilton]

Special Needs Network Los Angeles Evening Under the Stars

B. Slade... very special!

[beatsofgrief]

Special Needs Network Puts the Focus Back on What Really Matters

In the midst of a world where the latest focus has been shootings and grief, seeing people’s good nature is absolutely refreshing. Last month, I attended Special Needs Network’s (SNN’s) holiday event, where thousands of special needs and underprivileged children and their families were provided with a proper holiday, with no charge besides their presence and gratitude.

SNN’s mission is “to raise public awareness of developmental disabilities to impact public policy while providing education and resources to families, children and adults.” Held at University of Southern California (USC) in a ballroom, the space was converted into a fantasyland made reality for children and their families. The facility was covered with Christmas decorations, including life size nutcracker soldiers and Santa’s sled filled with toys. Volunteers dressed in Santa hats did everything from serving food and cider to painting nails at a manicure station. SNN workers and volunteers raffled off prizes fit to make anyone’s holiday wish come true.

Most exciting, however, was that towards the end of each event (two were held throughout the day and night to accommodate as many families as possible), none other than Santa Claus handed out bags of toys to each child.  Though all children had to wait patiently in a line that stretched across the large ballroom to collect their holiday surprises, this did not matter once they received their loot.

I walked around the room to observe the children’s reactions to the toys. One little girl peaked her head into her large, plastic red bag, smiled giddily, and jumped up and down. Others immediately became fixated on one toy, and sat down to concentrate and play. Every child was appreciative; not one complained that they wanted something different. To see that was a magical moment. To know that it was possible those kids would not be receiving much more, if anything else for Christmas, made the moment more special.

I brought my uncle Tony and his eight-year-old son Tre to the event with me. While it is hard for any child to see toys being handed out to everyone around him, Tre was a good sport. Various organizations that cater to those with special needs had set up booths around the perimeter of the ballroom. While they provided brochures and other information, each booth was also equipped with an activity for children. As I helped Tre make a gingerbread ornament, I noticed him observing his surroundings.  

Later, he asked his dad and me why one child had a hole in his throat. We explained it helped him breathe. As we walked around he also remarked, “Wow, these kids are sure happy about their toys.” I explained that some of them might not be getting anything else for Christmas. “What about what Santa brings? Even if their parents can’t buy them anything, Santa will, right?” Tre said innocently. Though I did not know the answer, I nodded my head. 

After we got home, my uncle and I reflected on the event. It was an important reminder that humans are intrinsically good, that we really do help one another.

“A lot of times, I tend to focus on life’s BS,” my uncle said. “But seeing those families so happy reminds me about my own beautiful family, and my son. They are healthy and have everything they need. For that I am so grateful.”

[photographybyhamilton]

A Very Special Night of Giving

[specialneedsnetwork-blog]

Free Event on Bullying and the Special Needs Child by Dr. Ester Hess and Center for the Developing Mind