CHILDREN WITH HIGH FUNCTIONING DISABILITIES BREAK BARRIERS
Free event helps children with high functioning disabilities explore potential
Lake Forest, CA —Children with high functioning disabilities are faced with the consequences of being different – from isolation to being labeled or bullied; these kids learn daily that they are not “normal.” However, on Saturday April 25, Us Too Gymnastics took the courageous step of showing hundreds of these children how to explore their abilities and potential.
From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 at Pittsford Park in Lake Forest, over 200 children with high functioning disabilities participated in drum circles, dance classes, track & field classes and games, while being entertained by a live band and the Us Too Tappers, all at the largest Universally Accessible Playground (UAP) in Orange County. At the same time, they witnessed the continuation of an effort that aims to prompt a sea change in the treatment of people with disabilities including autism, Aspergers syndrome, ADD/ADHD, Down syndrome, deafness and hearing impairment.
At the event, a group of children with high functioning disabilities ran through a paper barrier, symbolizing the societal walls encountered daily by disabled people, while the founder’s son Dominic Lusardi sang “Were not going to take it!” More than just a free event, Breaking Barriers is also a social movement that promotes the humanity, abilities and success of disabled people. Breaking Barriers aims to impact people throughout Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
Us Too Gymnastics is a recreational non profit organization where caring, specially trained instructors provide individualized athletic instruction for children; building a sense of self-worth, success and athletic skills toward the goal of transitioning each student into mainstream sports programs. Us Too Gymnastics was proud to present Breaking Barriers with Art and Motion in partnership with the Orange County Imagination Celebration and the City of Lake Forest.
Contact: Vicky Simpson
Email: ustoogymnastics@yahoo.com
