Shining Stars Within The Community The human spirit is one of ability, perseverance, and courage that no disability can steal away.
A
bright star is shining in Northwest New Mexico. For the third time, Northwest New Mexico has been the site of a Shining Star event that brings people together to help celebrate the lives of people with developmental disabilities. Shining Star is shining a light on the fact that people with developmental disabilities have much to contribute when they are a part of their community. Shining Star was first presented to New Mexico communities in 2014 when the New Mexico Department of Health, Developmental Disabilities Supports Division Statewide Community Inclusion program, contracted with Beth Mount Consulting to facilitate the Shining Star event at Red Rock Park. With a mix of creative art work, informal talks and plenty of delicious food, Shining Star events spotlight the unique and valuable life experiences of the Shining Star participants. Story Board collages are developed during the two day event to tell the story of each participant’s life. The completed Story Boards clearly show that pictures do indeed express much more than just words. People with developmental disabilities don’t just stay home anymore; they work, they volunteer, they develop friendships, they give back to their community, they go shopping, to
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the movies, to church, they spend money eating in local restaurants, they travel and they do so much more. Through the Story Boards and the Shining Star events, it is clear that the participants are living lives rich with meaningful experiences. The brightest part of the event is when everyone gathers in a circle as each Story Board is presented and a verbal telling of the individual’s story is given; smiles and applause always follow. Continuing the momentum of the two day event, the Shining Star participants are able to share their life experience by having their unique Story Boards displayed in various community venues after the event. You are likely to see the 2017 Shining Star Story Board colleges, as well as the Shining Stars themselves, when you’re out and about in the community. Take some time to view the Story Boards and read the accompanying short narrative; you will no doubt agree that these Shining Stars bring light to our communities. Local coordinator for the 2017 Shining Star event is Orlinda Charleston, Community Inclusion Coordinator at the New Mexico Department of Health, Developmental Disabilities Supports Division in Gallup. For more information about the event, please call (505) 863-9937.
