Chicken Soup for the Soul - Children with Special Needs - Stories of Love and Understanding for Those Who Care for Children with Disabilities is a long awaited edition in a classic series. The editors chose from a cross section of writers and disabilities to represent family members as well as other advocates. Included are voices that are not often sought out to enhance our awareness of the contributions as well as the challenges that can define a child's life.

This new edition in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series is a book of joy and celebration for families who struggle for simple accommodations and support for children with obvious as well as 'invisible' special needs, learning disabilities or chronic health conditions. Sometimes people with developmental disabilites are overlooked even in organizations that are inclusive in considering the struggle for human rights, civil rights and equity for all others. Melissa Riggio's story, "See Me" can be found on the last page of the Introduction. Her words alone are of far more value than the price of the book.

It is especially exciting for me to announce because one of my stories was honored by the reader panel to be included in the book. "Reaching Back" is a thank you letter to parents, advocates and children who opened up so many doors for my son and his sister, who still comfort, inspire and empower me, and who are carrying that torch today though their loved ones may be only newly diagnosed.

Chicken Soup for the Soul - Children with Special Needs will be a wonderful resource for school and faith communities, lawmakers, emergency personnel, neighbors, and friends of families who wish for consideration and simple inclusion for our loved ones.

This is a wonderful gift to share with those who are working for equity, human rights, diversity and inclusion who may sometimes need to be reminded of the contributions, potential and intrinsic value of every person in their community.

Chicken Soup - Stories of Love and Understanding for Those Who Care for Children with Disabilities is an encouraging as well as inspiring book for anyone who is struggling with a temporary setback or faces a long term emotional challenge. Readers will find they have a great deal in common with the individuals and families they meet through these stories, because we are all cut from the same cloth, and have so many of the same concerns, hopes and dreams for ourselves and our children.

Find Chicken Soup for the Soul - Children with Special Needs - Stories of Love and Understanding for Those Who Care for Children with Disabilities at your local bookstore, public library, or online retailer.

I also recommend Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives and Gifts 2: How People with Down Syndrome Enrich the World .


Melissa Riggio Made a Difference
https://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art56423.asp