Every year, the Optimist Club of Deerfield, in collaboration with the Northern Suburban Special Education District, runs an essay contest for special education students, which includes a big banquet with certificates for all participants, and plaques for those whose essays are considered "best in class." The purpose of this program is to recognize students who are often less likely to get public recognition for their work, to support and encourage them, and to give them and their families an evening to celebrate them and their accomplishments.

I went on the website, and discovered that the Club runs many wonderful programs in addition to this one, but I have to say, the evening of the banquet was such an overwhelmingly positive experience for our son and for us. We -- along with several members of his dedicated school team -- got the chance to see him and many other students like him step into the limelight, and be told in a very public way, "You matter to us, and we're proud of you!"

Hats off to the Optimist Club of Deerfield (and NSSED) for stepping up and showing us all that everyone has a role to play in including people with disabilities in community life, and for giving us all a reason to feel a little more optimistic about the future for our exceptional children!

Disability Awareness:   Welcoming, Talked directly to the person/people with disability, Friendly, Respectful, Other or suggestions, celebrates & encourages young people