Fundraising for advocacy organizations, schools and recreation programs can be a community support project that educates and invites new volunteers to participate or just get to know our children and families.

Sometimes a large community steps up to support a program whose goals resonate with everyone involved. Other times, grant writers work long into the night trying to get every item required included in its own particular spot on a twenty page application.

Often, one individual takes on a project to raise money to show their support and appreciation of a program or organization that has made a tremendous positive difference to a child or in a family's life.

Are you concerned about an underserved or unserved group in your community? Military spouses raising children with disabilities may not have the neighborhood friendships or family support that many of us could not do without. Frequent moves may make it difficult for the children of the family to establish their own friendships, or to participate in school activities.

Newcomers who have relocated due to work transfers or to find jobs may have similar obstacles. Families with diverse cultural, ethnic or languages might not be aware support or opportunities are available for their children.

Whether your project raises twenty dollars or twenty thousand, remember to thank those who participated for their efforts as well as for their companionship. Spending time together, developing camaraderie, history and friendships, can improve everyone's quality of life and richness of experience.

If you are a leader or a dedicated worker behind the scenes, take a moment to remember your motivation and inspiration. What you do does make a difference, no matter how great your goal or how small your reward. Thank you for your creativity, hospitality, and patience. You are contributing more than you know to the well-being and joy of your community.

Doing Social Justice: Thoughts on Ableist Language and Why It Matters - Rachel Cohen-Rottenberg
https://www.disabilityandrepresentation.com/2013/09/14/ableist-language/

Support your local fundraising walk, like the NDSS Down Syndrome Buddy Walk, or national research programs like Stanford University Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation and Down Syndrome Education International

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Walk to Find a Cure for Diabetes
https://walk.jdrf.org
Insulin is a treatment, not a cure. Children with diabetes may need ten fingertip blood tests and six shots a day for the rest of their lives, until a cure is found

Support local community living programs like Parkview Services
https://www.parkviewservices.org
Housing, Home Ownership, and Recreation Programs for people with developmental disabilities and their families
https://www.parkviewservices.org

See what your donation could mean to Starlight Children's Foundation
https://www.starlight-washington.org
WA: Starlight Formal Dance 2010
https://www.king5.com/on-tv/evening-magazine/Starlight-Prom-148535325.html

Browsing or ordering books, diapers, toys or other items at Amazon through this link helps support the Children with Special Needs website.

Starting a Parent Support Group
https://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art34523.asp

People First Language Sensitivity
https://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art14410.asp

People First Language Awareness
https://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art33981.asp