A Special Occasion www.aspecialoccasion.org

A Special Occasion www.aspecialoccasion.org We're making dreams come true giving those with disabilities a chance to enjoy social gatherings and parties, designed strictly for them.

"A Special Occasion" is a nonprofit organization that hosts events for children and adults with mental and physical disabilities. Giving them a
chance to enjoy a catered social event/party. These events are designed to give them a chance to enjoy their self without the stress
and uncertainties some events can cause. We're giving children and adults the chance to attend and participate in everyth

ing from Valentine Day Dances, Halloween Party's, Daddy Daughter Dances, and more. We will put together Birthday Parties for our members and invite all their friends and family, as well as the new friends they've created through “A Special Occasion”. We're even planning on having a Prom and or Home Coming with limousine service for those that might have missed out or chose not to attend their Prom or Home Coming. Our goal is to have endless events and opportunities for those that might have missed out or chose not to be involved in some of the
school and or social events. So please help us, help them and let those with disabilities enjoy the same social gatherings everyone else is
enjoying. For More Info: Read Below......

“A Special Occasion”

A Special Occasion was founded in 2012, by Anton Collins and Arnett Washington. This program was put together, by two high school buddies that have been friends for over twenty years. Arnett was born with Cerebral Palsy, but lives the life of a non disabled person to the best of his abilities. He’s a stay at home dad raising three beautiful kids and Anton is in law enforcement. The concept began one day during a time they were talking about old times and school events. That conversation brought them to the conclusion that they needed to create an ongoing social club for those with disabilities. For many people with disabilities and those who care for them, daily life can become very stressful. Meeting the complex needs of a person with a disability can put families under a great deal of stress, as well as the person living with the disability. Having an outlet and strong network or support system, can help increase confidence, enhance the quality of life, and assist in meeting the needs of those with disabilities. Our mission is to give those with disabilities a chance to experience and enjoy social gatherings that they might shy away from or may have missed out on, without the stress or uncertainties of most events. Building friendships and relationships is a very vital part of life. However, many people with disabilities may have limited opportunities to meet people and make friends. Majority of their social network are family members, or people who are paid to assist and care for them. People with disabilities need and want the same social stimulation non disabled people desire. These events are catered for them, giving them a strong support system and the ability to get out and enjoy their self as well as mingle with others that have disabilities. The goal is to give them the ability to let their hair down and an opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences in a confidential, respectful environment with others that can relate and live similar life styles. “ A Special Occasion event is a great way to meet new people, create bonds, educate others, experience social gatherings, and a chance to just be who you are. There’s an old expression, “You Only Live Once” so why not make the best of it. The sky’s the limit, and we’re reaching for the stars. Creating experiences that will open more doors as well as the minds of those with and without disabilities. We want to educate those living life with a disability, as well as those living a non disabled life. Imagine how a happy someone would be if they could attend the Prom they never had or attend regular events that made them feel like a prince or princess for the day. Social gatherings can be very intimidating for your average everyday individual, now throw in a few other factors and you may have a very fearful situation. We want to get rid of all the anxiety and fear, giving those with disabilities the courage to partake in events and walk away with an experience of a lifetime.

“Our Events”

“Some events are for kids, some are for adults, and some are for both”

Back 2 School Dance - Halloween Dance
Daddy Daughter Dance - Valentine Day Dance
Holiday Dance - Prom
Talent Show - Fashion Show
Birthday Parties - Sporting Events
Movie Night - Fitness Programs
Some of our events will provide limousine service, X Box and Play Station Challenges, and a gang of other fulfilling experiences. Each event provides our members a chance to meet and create new friendships. The goal is to gain more members per event and create a bigger and better event each time. - See more at: http://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/a-special-occasion/71138

06/01/2017
Please pass on their interview and if people want to help with donation for their ceremony or honeymoon, go to www.gofu...
03/21/2015

Please pass on their interview and if people want to help with donation for their ceremony or honeymoon, go to www.gofundme.com/aspecialoccasion

We're making dreams come true! Giving those with mental and physical disabilities a chance to enjoy social gatherings and parties, designed strictly for them. "A Special Occasion" is an event that gives those with mental and physical disabilities a chance to enjoy a catered social event/party. Th...

Facebook family, please help this couple as they try to tie the knot. This is a disabled couple in love and trying to en...
03/21/2015

Facebook family, please help this couple as they try to tie the knot. This is a disabled couple in love and trying to enjoy life together. Tommy has TBI also known as Tramatic Brain Injury and Michelle has Cerebral Palsy, but their in love and want to have a nice wedding and honeymoon. You can see a video they made about their life as a disabled couple. Please donate to their cause and spread the word, even a dollar will help.

Here's an interview with Arnett. "Just because I have Cerebral Palsy and can't walk, doesn't mean I can't drive."http://...
11/21/2014

Here's an interview with Arnett. "Just because I have Cerebral Palsy and can't walk, doesn't mean I can't drive."

http://youtu.be/F3_R7fzI_l0

Arentt talks about how many people doubted his ability to drive and all of his experiences being a disabled driver. Cerebral Palsy might have stopped him fro...

"DON'T BULLY THE DISABLED"HELLO EVERYONE, PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AS WELL AS SPREAD THE WORD FOR OUR DON'T BULLY THE DI...
11/20/2014

"DON'T BULLY THE DISABLED"

HELLO EVERYONE, PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AS WELL AS SPREAD THE WORD FOR OUR DON'T BULLY THE DISABLED CAMPAIGN. THIS TYPE OF BULLYING IS BECOMING MORE COMMON AND NEEDS TO STOP AS WELL AS ALL BULLYING.
SHIRTS CAN BE BOUGHT FITTED OR REGULAR STYLE T-SHIRT,
FOR MORE INFO AND HOW TO BUY THE SHIRTS SEE THE LINK BELOW.

https://www.bonfirefunds.com/dont-bully-the-disabled

THE VIDEO'S ARE FINALLY HERE!!! CHECK OUT OUR UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL INTERVIEWWS AND STORIES, OF INDIVIDUALS TALKING ABOU...
11/19/2014

THE VIDEO'S ARE FINALLY HERE!!! CHECK OUT OUR UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL INTERVIEWWS AND STORIES, OF INDIVIDUALS TALKING ABOUT LVING LIFE WITHA DISABILITY... WE'RE LOOKING FOR MORE INTERVIEWS AND OR STORIES, SO IF YOU OR YOU KNOW SOME ONE THAT WANTS TO PARTICIPATE.. PLEASE FEEL FRE TO CONTACT US...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va8gn14--jM

Tommy talks about being a disabled high school wrestler.

Here's Tommy and Arnett in their glory years, as high school wrestlers. (1992) That was a long time ago. These guys are...
11/19/2014

Here's Tommy and Arnett in their glory years, as high school wrestlers. (1992) That was a long time ago. These guys are living proof that their ability, is way greater then their disability.

PLEASE READ THIS ARTICLE, WE MUST STOP KIDS FROM BEING HARASSED AND BULLIED!!!Bullying of Students with Disabilities Add...
11/07/2014

PLEASE READ THIS ARTICLE, WE MUST STOP KIDS FROM BEING HARASSED AND BULLIED!!!

Bullying of Students with Disabilities Addressed in Guidance to America’s Schools
OCTOBER 21, 2014
Contact: Press Office, (202) 401-1576, [email protected]

As part of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, the U.S. Education Department's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) today issued guidance to schools reminding them that bullying is wrong and must not be tolerated—including against America's 6.5 million students with disabilities.

The Department issued guidance in the form of a letter to educators detailing public schools' responsibilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of Americans with Disabilities Act regarding the bullying of students with disabilities. If a student with a disability is being bullied, federal law requires schools to take immediate and appropriate action to investigate the issue and, as necessary, take steps to stop the bullying and prevent it from recurring.

"While there is broad consensus that bullying cannot be tolerated, the sad reality is that bullying persists in our schools today, especially for students with disabilities," said Catherine E. Lhamon, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. "Basic decency and respect demand that our schools ensure that all their students learn in a safe environment. I look forward to continuing our work with schools to address and reduce incidents of bullying so that no student is limited in his or her ability to participate in and benefit from all that our educational programs have to offer."

Since 2009, OCR has received more than 2,000 complaints regarding the bullying of students with disabilities in the nation's public elementary and secondary schools.

Today's guidance builds upon anti-bullying guidance the Department has issued in recent years concerning schools' legal obligations to fix the problem, including:

A 2013 dear colleague letter and enclosure by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) clarifying that when bullying of a student with a disability results in the student not receiving meaningful educational benefit under IDEA, the school must remedy the problem, regardless of whether the bullying was based on the student's disability.A 2010 dear colleague letter by the OCR, which elaborated on potential violations when bullying and harassment is based on race, color, national origin, s*x, or disability.A 2000 dear colleague letter by the OCR and OSERS, which explained that bullying based on disability may violate civil rights laws enforced by OCR as well as interfere with a student's receipt of special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The latest letter makes clear that the protections for students with disabilities who are bullied on any basis extend to the roughly three quarters of a million students who are not eligible for IDEA services but are entitled to services under the broader Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. That law bars discrimination on the basis of disability in all programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.

Help is available for those who are either targets of disability bullying or know of someone who might be, such as:

A fact sheet for parents on schools' obligations under federal law to address bullying. The fact sheet is also available in SpanishVisiting the federal Web site, www.stopbullying.gov, which provides useful information on bullying prevention and remedies.Asking to meet with the student's team that designs his or her individualized education program—the IEP or Section 504 teams.Asking to meet with the principal or school district's special education coordinators to have the school address bullying concerns.Seeking help from OCR. The office investigates complaints of disability discrimination at schools. To learn more about federal civil rights laws or how to file a complaint, contact OCR at 800-421-3481 (TDD: 800-877-8339), or [email protected]. OCR's Web site is www.ed.gov/ocr. To fill out a complaint form online, go tohttp://www.ed.gov/ocr/complaintintro.html

Bullying can happen anywhere and to anyone. Help stop bullying at school, online, and in the community. For more information, visit StopBullying.gov.

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Romeoville, IL
60446

Telephone

+18159193204

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