(12) Important Community Connections
(17) Meet The May Magazine Squad
(18) About This Month’s Issue
(27) Thank you > Patina Art Centre
(28) Sponsor Spotlight > Jason’s Place
(31) Kasen & Joe, Together Again
(33) All About the Incredible Mhani
(34) Nonprofit Spotlight > IncludeAbility
(38) Kevin Jordan talks Accessibility
(42) Alaina’s Short Story
(46) Nick Doyle has Favorites
(50) Sponsor Spotlight > Creative Rehab
(55) Laranda Never Know’s What’s Next
(58) Community Impact Q&A > Mr. Grady
(63) Just. Saying. Thank You.
(66) May Issue Last Look
Advertising Inquiries
Rick Miller
330-283-8462
rick.miller@n2co.com
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Q. Did you know that all Medicaid-eligible individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities that meet an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) level of care criteria are entitled to enjoy the advantages of GentleBrook’s ICFs?
A. While the entitlement to receive care at an ICF can be waived by individuals and their families, we think it should always be considered as a care option.
Q. What is an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF)?
A. At GentleBrook, we offer six – soon to be seven! – ICFs at locations in both Hartville and West Lafayette. Adult residents living at our ICFs receive these benefits:
24-hour supervision and on-site nursing care
Active treatment including individualized work training supports and services
Therapeutic services including physical, occupational and speech therapy, nutritional and social services
Life skills mentoring and support
Social and recreational activities
Transportation to and from work and other activities
Respite services
Each of our ICFs is licensed through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and certified by the Ohio Department of Health. We follow all Medicaid regulations that govern the staffing and administration of our facilities.
Q. What is Active Treatment? Why is it helpful?
A. Active Treatment is a regimen of individualized habilitation. It is a key part of the ICF advantage. Upon admission, an interdisciplinary team of professionals is assigned to focus on the individual needs in the areas of health, nutrition, therapy, and behavioral and social development. We meet with parents or guardians to design an Individual Plan (IP) for the client with the goal of maximizing independence and functional skills
We’re committed to being a helpful resource for individuals and families who want more information about the advantages of an Intermediate Care Facility.
Being aware of all available care options will help YOU – as a parent or guardian – make the best care decision for your loved one. We are here to help you navigate the admission process. Contact us today at 330-877-3694. Ask for Paula or Chloe!
This section is here to give our readers easier access when searching for a trusted neighborhood partner to use. Get to know the businesses that make this magazine possible. Please support them in return and thank them if you get the chance!
ABA SERVICES
Applied Behavioral Connections
Kristen Maple (330) 309-3133
info@appliedbehavioralconnections.com
ACCESSIBILITY & SAFETY MODIFICATIONS
JTEK Solutions Group, LLC
Jared Chevraux (330) 323-0943
www.jtekgroup.com
ACT PREP & TUTORING
Bright Minds Learning Academy
Sheila Lahoti 5368 Fulton Dr. NW Canton, OH 44646 (330) 966-7226
www.brightmindsla.us
ADULT DAY SUPPORT
Next to Kin Supportive Services , LLC (330) 288-8450
www.nexttokinservices.com
Premier Approach, LLC
Christian Manns (330) 312-6909
www.facebook.com/PremierApproachLLC
ADULT VOCATIONAL SERVICES
CLW (330) 546-0057
www.theclw.com
ALL ABOUT LOCAL BeLOCAL - Stark County (330) 283-8462
bit.ly/3DpSwPd
ANIMAL FENCE/TRAINING
DogWatch of Northeast Ohio
Donnie Myers
(330) 915-6036
www.dogwatchneo.com
ART STUDIO
BZTAT Studios, LLC
(330) 371-3150
www.bztatstudios.com
AUTISM SUPPORT
Autism Society of Greater Akron (330) 940-1441
www.autismakron.org
BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING
Paragon Accounting and Business Services, Inc. (330) 575-2291
www.paragonabs.com
CHILD, ADULT AND SPECIAL NEEDS CARE
The Wow Crowd (330) 445-4482
www.thewowcrowd.com
CHIROPRACTIC/WELLNESS
Vogelgesang Family Wellness & Chiropractic Center (330) 818-1212
www.vogelgesangfamilychiropracticinc.com
CHURCH
First Christian Church (330) 456-2600
www.firstchristian.com
The Chapel Green
Amy Troyer (330) 315-5501
www.facebook.com/greenspecialneeds
CLEANING
Elbow Grease Cleaning Solutions (234) 999-1412
www.elbowgreaseclean1.com
COFFEE SHOP
Whole Latte Love Cafe (234) 360-2233
www.wholelattelovecafe.org
COUNTY DISABILITIES BOARD
Stark Board of Developmental Disabilities
Lisa Parramore (330) 479-3934
www.starkdd.org
Summit DD (330) 634-8877
www.summitdd.org
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY CARE
Easterseals Northern Ohio
Conor McGarvey (234) 417-0250
www.easterseals.com/noh
The Workshops, Inc
Rachel Doty (330) 497-3399
www.choosetwi.com
DISABILITY RESOURCES
REM Ohio, Inc
Jo Spargo (330) 644-9730
www.rem-oh.com
EDUCATION SERVICES
Jason’s Place
Melissa Hadnett (234) 714-9815
Red Line Advocacy (234) 678-9622
www.redlineadvocacy.com
EMPLOYMENT/STAFFING
Express Employment Professionals (330) 239-8709
www.expresspros.com/cantonoh
ENTERTAINMENT AND FOOD
Stark Flavor (330) 704-1227
www.StarkFlavor.com
EQUESTRIAN CENTER
Pegasus Farm
Shelley Sprang (330) 935-2300
www.pegasusfarm.org
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Skylight Financial Group
Kathryn Bryan (216) 592-7319
www.skylightfinancialgroup.com
Travis DeZordo, Modern Woodmen Of America (330) 704-6211
www.reps.modernwoodmen.org/tdezordo
FRESH MEAT & SEAFOOD
Fat Daddy Meats (330) 904-0288
www.fatdaddymeats.com
FURNITURE - AMISH
Dutch Craft Furniture (330) 893-4041
www.dutchcraftfurniture.com
HARDSCAPES/ LANDSCAPES
Campbell Landscaping (330) 933-9091
www.campbelllandscaping.com
HEALTHY MEAL PLANNING/DELIVERY
Compassion Delivered (330) 575-0996
www.compassiondelivered.org
HOME CARE SERVICES
SafeInHome - Ohio (740) 207-5800
www.safeinhome.com
HOUSE OF WORSHIP
Harvestime Temple (330) 877-6544
www.harvestimeonline.org
HVAC
Henry Heating Cooling & Plumbing (330) 364-5571
www.henryheating.com
INDEPENDENT PRIVATE SCHOOL
Wings of Change Therapy Inc
Michael Asente (234) 334-0044
www.wingsofchangetherapyinc.com
INSURANCE AGENT
American Family - Richard Corns
Haley Seifert (234) 714-2300
INTERIOR DESIGN
A & J Arrangements and Design LLC (440) 668-6388
ITALIAN ICE/CATERING
Kona Ice of Central Canton (330) 398-0120
www.kona-ice.com/local-site/ kona-ice-of-central-canton
n2co.com
Neighborhood Connections © 2023 The N2 Company, Inc.
JOB PLACEMENT SERVICES
Creative Rehab (330) 806-0497
www.creativerehab.info
Independent Employment Services
Malcolm Porter (330) 388-5778
www.independentemploy.com
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Carve Your Own Path, Inc. (330) 426-7885
www.carvemypath.org
NON EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION
Your Guardian Angels (234) 571-0975
www.ygatransportation.com
NON-PROFIT GentleBrook
Francie Kell (330) 877-7700
www.gentlebrook.org
Teammates Center (234) 571-5876
www.teammatescenter.org
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
GiGi’s Playhouse Canton
Megan Vance (330) 493-9114
www.gigisplayhouse.org/canton
The Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio (216) 447-8763
www.dsaneo.org
PERSONAL LEGACY PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT
The Preferred Legacy Trust Company
Tiffany Rockstroh (330) 209-9229
www.preferredlegacy.com
PLUMBING
Henry Heating Cooling & Plumbing (330) 364-5571
www.henryheating.com
PODCAST
Special Needs Ohio Podcast
Rob Gorski (234) 817-5851
www.theautismdad.com
PONDS, FOUNTAINS, AND WATER FEATURES
Pond Wiser Inc (330) 833-3764
www.pondwiser.com
POOL WATER DELIVERY
Strouble Water Hauling (330) 877-6795
www.stroubletrucking.com
PRIVATE SCHOOL
The Golden Key Center for Exceptional Children
Gina Bannevich (330) 493-4400
www.goldenkeyschool.com
REALTOR®
eXp Realty : The Amy Wengerd Group Amy Wengerd (330) 681-6090
www.amysguarantee.com
RESTORATION & CLEANING
Brahlers Cleaning & Restoration
Stacy Ignacio (330) 834-0008
www.brahlerscrr.com
SCHOOLS - PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Julie Billiart Schools (216) 691-8916
www.juliebilliartschools.org
SUMMER CAMP
FCA All Abilities Camp (817) 944-0499
www.neohiofca.org
SUPPORT GROUP Sharing Solutions
www.sharingsolutions.info
THEATRE
Canton Palace Theatre
Laura Strader (330) 454-8172
www.cantonpalacetheatre.org
TRANSPORTATION PROVIDER CLEARVIEW DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
Dean Miller (330) 224-4403
ZOO Akron Zoo (330) 375-2550
www.akronzoo.org
DISCLAIMER: This publication is owned by The N2 Company and is not affiliated with or sponsored by any club, developer, or homeowners association. Articles and advertisements in this publication and opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 but remain solely those of the author(s) or advertiser(s). The paid advertisements contained within this magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2.
We Are Moving! 1011 Gorge Blvd Akron, Ohio 44310
We offer high quality, researched based, instruction for students with disabilities K-12 with a focus on vocational skill education.
SERVICES INCLUDE: On-Site Educational Services
Off-Site Intervention Services IEP Writing and Compliance Professional Development Comprehensive ESY Program
Now Enrolling! 234-678-9622
bhazelett@redlineadvocacy.com 1011 Gorge Blvd Akron, Ohio 44310 www.redlineadvocacy.com
AKRON BLIND CENTER
Phone: 330-253-2555
Website: www.akronblindcenter.org
The Akron Blind Center Inc. is a membership-based nonprofit organization incorporated in 1948 to serve the blind and lowvision communities. They also provide resources, programs, services and classes for Summit and surrounding counties.
AKRON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Phone: 330-543-1000
Website: www.akronchildrens.org
Akron Children’s Hospital has been caring for children since 1890, and its pediatric specialties are ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report. With two hospital campuses, four health centers, and 50+ primary and specialty care locations throughout Ohio, they’re making it easier for today’s busy families to find the high-quality care they need.
ARC OF OHIO
Phone: 234-571-5689
Website: www.thearcofohio.org
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
AUTISM SOCIETY OF GREATER AKRON
Phone: 330-940-1441
Website: www.autismakron.org
The Autism Society is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots autism organization committed to improving the lives of those affected by autism. The Greater Akron affiliate was founded in 1987 by parent volunteers of children with autism.
BUREAU OF SERVICES FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED (BSVI)
Website: www.ood.ohio.gov/individuals-with-disabilities/ services/services-for-the-visually-impaired
MEDINA, PORTAGE, AND SUMMIT COUNTIES
Phone: 330-643-3080
CARROLL AND STARK COUNTIES
Phone: 330-438-0500
BSVI assists eligible people, beginning at age 14, with low vision and blindness by providing direct, personalized
services to assist them in finding and retaining meaningful work and personal independence. Basic services include personal and work adjustment training, vocational training, mental and physical restoration, and placement assistance.
CALL 211
Phone: 211
Website: www.211.org
Serving four counties and covering 1.5 million people in Ohio, the United Way 2-1-1 Help Center provides free and confidential 24-hour access to a compassionate professional who will review your options for help, develop a plan and act as your advocate if you are faced with barriers to service. Simply dial 2-1-1 or chat with us for assistance. Se habla Espanol.
COMPASSION DELIVERED
Phone: 330-575-0996
Website: www.compassiondelivered.org
Compassion Delivered provides medically tailored nutritional meals to people coping with chronic, lifethreatening illnesses and diseases.
DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF NORTHEAST OHIO
Phone: 216-447-8763
Website: www.dsaneo.org
The Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio is a nonprofit that provides support, education, advocacy, and resources for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.
GREENLEAF FAMILY CENTER (DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING SERVICES)
Phone: 330-376-9494
Website: www.greenleafctr.org
Greenleaf is a nonprofit organization that strengthens families in our community through counseling, education and support. By offering a variety of programs and services, we are here to help families with the many challenges of daily living and personal crises.
HELP ME GROW
Phone: 330-492-8136
Website: https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/ help-me-grow/help-me-grow
Help Me Grow is Ohio’s evidence-based parent support program that encourages early prenatal and well-baby care, as well as parenting education to promote the comprehensive health and development of children. Help Me Grow System includes Central Intake, Help Me Grow Home Visiting, and Help Me Grow Early Intervention.
OHIO’S PARENT MENTOR PROJECT
Phone: 844-382-5452
Website: www.parentmentor.osu.edu
It is the mission of the Ohio Parent Mentors to provide the necessary support and resources to families of children with disabilities and the professionals that serve them by connecting families, schools, and the community to the benefit of students with disabilities.
OHIO COALITION FOR THE EDUCATION OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
Phone: 844-382-5452
Website: www.ocecd.org
The OCECD is a statewide nonprofit organization that serves families of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities in Ohio, educators, and agencies who provide services to them.
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAID
Phone: 800-324-8680
Website: www.medicaid.ohio.gov
The ODM provides health care coverage to more than three million Ohioans through a network of more than 165,000 providers. Learn more about Ohio’s largest state agency and the ways in which they continue to improve wellness and health outcomes for the individuals and families served at our website.
OHIO DEPT OF JOB AND FAMILY SERVICES
Phone: 800-720-9616
Website: www.jfs.ohio.gov
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is responsible for managing many vital programs that directly affect the lives of Ohioans.
OHIO DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
PLANNING COUNCIL
Website: www.ddc.ohio.gov
Phone: 800-766-7426
The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council is a planning and advocacy body committed to community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. It is the mission of the ODDC to create change that improves independence, productivity, and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life.
Phone: 800-282-4536
Website: www.ood.ohio.gov
This state agency works to empower Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. Amoung the many services provided, OOD is responsible for establishing and maintaining partnerships with employers.
Website: www.peoplefirstohio.org
People First of Ohio is a statewide organization that works with state legislators and builds relationships with other advocacy groups and state agencies. These relationships promote better interaction among people who make decisions in the communities and the state.
Phone: 330-453-9157
OF THE BLIND
Website: www.philomatheon.com
This organization is a gathering of blind and visually impaired people, along with sighted family and friends, with a mission and goal to help the blind and visually impaired in the community to help themselves to remain or to become able to live independently and an active member of their community.
PORTAGE COUNTY BOARD OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Phone: (330) 297-6209
Website: www.portagedd.org
The Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities exists to connect individuals and families with the services they need for health, safety, education and a high quality of life.
RED TREEHOUSE — RONALD MCDONALD FAMILY
Website: www.redtreehouse.org
Supporting the well-being of families and children with challenges, disabilities, and health care needs. Finding tools, organizations, and events in the community to meet the needs of families.
SHARING SOLUTIONS
Phone: 330-546-2001
Website: www.sharingsolutions.info
A community of parents/guardians of individuals from transition to adult age with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, professionals who serve the IDD community, caregivers, and policymakers. The focus is to provide information, support, and assistance to all. Everyone is encouraged to play an active role in sharing their resources, knowledge, and experiences.
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION — CANTON
Phone: 877-255-1509
Website: www.secure.ssa.gov
The Social Security Administration assigns Social Security numbers and administers the Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability insurance programs. They also administer the Supplemental Security Income program for the aged, blind and disabled.
STARK COUNTY BOARD OF DD
Phone: 330-477-5200
Website: www.starkdd.org
Stark DD connects individuals and families with the services persons with developmental disabilities need for health, safety, education and quality of life.
SUMMIT COUNTY DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES BOARD
Phone: 330-634-8000
Website: www.summitdd.org
Summit DD offers early intervention programs for infants and toddlers with developmental delays, as well as transition services for students with developmental disabilities to vocational, habilitation and retirement programs for adults.
TRIAD DEAF SERVICES
Phone: 330-768-7272
Website: www.triadds.org
TRIAD Deaf Services Inc is an agency providing services to the deaf community in Stark, Carroll, and Tuscarawas Counties. They provide support services, interpreting, leadership, deaf advocacy and education.
Sarah Smith Writer
Local Influencer
Mike Sturdivant Content Director
Michelle Herdlick Photographer
Mhani Varner Writer
Laranda Robinson Writer
Kevin Jordan Writer
Kasen Woodard Photographer
Grady Bender Q&A Contributor
Alaina Zehnder Short Story Author
It is hard to believe that we are wrapping up the first full year of Special Needs Living Akron/Canton Magazine. As we look back it is hard to believe how fast year 1 flew by! When we launched our magazine in June of 2022, we had a lot of great ideas but were also aware this magazine was going to be a little bit of throwing spaghetti and the wall to see what sticks, however, we were excited to jump in and get rolling.
As the months went by and the new issues came out, we continued to fine-tune our content, our design and our approach and along the way, we met so many amazing people, organizations, and families that we’ve absolutely fallen in love with. We’ve had the opportunity to bring you amazing stories and features which we hope you found as
inspiring as we did! We also continued to add to our roster of talented quarterly contributors who help us bring a different level of expertise and experience to our publication.
As we were discussing ideas for the best way to celebrate wrapping up our first year in print, we had an “ah-ha” moment a few months back while sitting in a coffee shop having our weekly meeting! Since we are a magazine dedicated to celebrating people with disabilities & special needs, we thought why not make our 12th magazine 100% written by individuals with disabilities and special needs, in their own words, in their feelings, from their perspective and most importantly, all about them!
We gave our writers a month off and we went back through all of the previous
magazines and picked out a wide range of individuals we have previously featured and invited them back to be the content creators of this month’s magazine! We told them they could write about anything that they wanted. This magazine is filled with content, in their words, and from their hearts.
We hope you enjoy reading this month’s Special Needs Living Akron/Canton magazine as much as we’ve enjoyed assembling it. If you are new to our magazine, we invite you to go back and read their stories in the initial issue at www. TheSpecialNeedsLiving.com! We are excited to welcome all of our friends back and to continue to do our part to tell their inspirational stories!
Enjoy! - Mike & RickTHE LIMITLESS ALAINA was our cover feature in the September edition of our magazine! We met Aliana through her mother Kylie who is one of our quarterly contributors. Once we met Alaina, we knew we had to feature her in our publication! In her article, Alaina was described as the North Star in the Night Sky and once you meet her you know that description rings true! We are excited to welcome Alaina back in this month’s magazine!
Scan the QR Code to see her original Special Needs Living magazine feature article
GRADY was our cover feature in the first magazine we produced in June of 2022! He was nominated by our owner Rick Miller who is also Grady’s uncle! Grady is very active in programs such as Challenger Baseball, Empower Basketball, Special Olympics, and FCA All Abilities Camp! His story inspired his mom Elaine to write a book titled I Am Exceptional. The story is Christian based and shows how God sees someone who may appear to have limits. We are excited to welcome Grady back in this month’s magazine!
Please scan the QR Code to see his original Special Needs Living magazine feature article
KASEN
was featured in our first Beauty Belongs to Everyone segment with Joe Albert back in June! Our Content Director Mike met Kasen and his parents Jade and Justin through their time working together with Gigi’s Playhouse Canton. When we were thinking about how we wanted our magazine to look and feel Mike knew Kasen was the perfect person to highlight in this segment for our first issue! Kasen has a personality that lights up any room he walks into and his pictures in that issue were no different! We are excited to welcome Kasen back in this month’s magazine!
Please scan the QR Code to see his original Special Needs Living magazine feature article
KEVIN JORDAN was featured in our Community Employment Success Spotlight in the September edition of our magazine! He was nominated by our Content Director Mike! Kevin is employed at Giant Eagle where he is a cashier and self-checkout attendant. Kevin has been in his position for 8 years! Kevin is also an active volunteer at Gigi’s Playhouse Canton where he is a literacy tutor and co-program leader for their Destination Discovery program! We are excited to welcome Kevin back in this month’s magazine!
Please scan the QR Code to see his original Special Needs Living magazine feature article
LARANDA was featured in the March edition of our magazine!
She was nominated by Troy Sutton who is the director of Ohio Miss Amazing. As Troy described in his nomination, “Laranda is very active in the community, and is also a role model, ambassador, and mentor in the Ohio Miss Amazing family!” Laranda is a true example of how perseverance and being with the right people always pays off. In addition to Miss Amazing, she is also very active in Special Olympics where she was on the cheerleading squad (she is now an assistant coach), and is on the bowling and basketball teams. She is also a very active volunteer in our community! One of Laranda’s goals was to pass her driving test and get her license which she also accomplished! Currently, she drives back and forth to her brother’s house and to the local store! We are excited to welcome Laranda back for this month’s magazine!
Please scan the QR Code to see her original Special Needs Living magazine feature article
MHANI VARNER
and her brother RJ were our cover story features in the February edition of our magazine! She was nominated by her mother Sharmba Varner. She knew we would fall in love with Mhani when we met her and she was absolutely right. Mhani’s personality jumps off the page when you meet her, and her energy is contagious! As Sharmba described in the article, “Mhani used to get so frustrated when others did not understand her, but now she is proud to tell and teach others about Autism!” Mhani attends the Julie Billiart School and loves art and dance! We are excited to welcome Mhani back for this month’s magazine!
Please scan the QR Code to see her original Special Needs Living magazine feature article
NICK DOYLE was our cover feature in the December edition of our Magazine. Nick is an absolute star who needed no nomination or introduction! He is community employed at Applebees, is a member of the Improvaneers, which is the world’s first, all-Down Syndrome Improv Comedy Group, sits on multiple Board of Director positions, and in 2021 was given the Twenty Under 40 award by Ystark and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce. We are excited to welcome Nick back for this month’s magazine!
Please scan the QR Code to see his original Special Needs Living magazine feature article
We would like to send a special thank you to Alaska Thompson and Patina Arts Centre! Alaska was kind enough to allow us to bring our squad of contributors in to do our cover photo session inside her beautiful art gallery location.
Patina Arts Centre is located in the heart of the Downtown Canton Arts District. They are a 501c3 non-profit arts education organization working to generate creative revitalization and community empowerment through the arts. Their brick-and-mortar is home to two floors of artesian studio spaces and a classroom designed for various workshops. They also feature guest artists at new and exciting gallery openings on the last Friday of every month.
If you have not stopped by Patina Arts Centre, we encourage you to do so! They are located at 324 Cleveland Ave NW. Canton, OH 44702. You can also learn more by visiting them online at www. patinaartscentre.com or follow their Facebook by searching Patina Arts Centre!
inspiration from Alaina, Grady, Kasen, Kevin, Laranda, Mhani and Nick.
You should always listen to your mom!
WRITTEN BY SARAH SMITH PHOTOS BY MICHELLE HERDLICKWhen starting Jason’s Place, Melissa Hadnett’s mom said dream big! As a result, the organization outgrew its five-year business plan in a year and a half.
Jason’s Place is an educationally focused career, vocational, and adult day services center that believes learning never stops. What makes Jason’s Place different is gathering input from the clients, their families/guardians, and team members to determine what is designed and learned. Each
person gets to choose what they would like to learn from the six to eight different classes or group activities each day.
“Our staff is amazing, and our staff ratios are well below the state requirements,” said Hadnett. “Together we have over 70 years of experience in the field. We believe in pushing the envelope and each other to be the best we can all be.”
In the Day Services, clients have social, recreational, and learning opportunities in the kitchen for cooking club; the Llama Lounge offers devotions; the design center helps with the Shoppes, items sold on the organization’s website; the Boardroom provides reading and budgeting; and the stage is set for Broadway Buddies. The sensory room offers movement every day, country line dancing, yoga, meditation, and more. The computer lounge offers online safety, computer classes, vocational training and how to analyze apps to determine if they are beneficial. The community connections group learned to cut and paste in making flyers for community integrations and events. Classes and groups change every quarter; some favorites stay and some are new. The variety is based on our clients’ interests and team input.
Career Services include vocational programming, group employment, job development, job coaching, and career exploration. The vocational program is curriculum based with hands-on activities to enhance learning. It is also picture supported to assist readers in understanding content. The group employment has contracts to work real world opportunities in a group to practice skill sets learned in vocational programming. Job development and job coaching provide employment tailored to a client’s specific needs and then the supports to be successful. Career exploration is for those clients who don’t yet know what employment they would like to pursue.
“It is part of our belief that all people should be included in their community, so we go out into our community as typically as possible in very small groups,” explained Hadnett. “We believe that if people in the community see people with disabilities doing things we all do, the community becomes more accepting and inclusive. Our clients choose what they’d like to do, and we make it happen! Lunch, a Target run, Pump it Up, or exploring our parks are some of our favorites. At our facility, we invite the community in for experiences run by our clients. Who wouldn’t love coffee and cards or chalk the walk?”
This year, Jason’s Place is increasing its digital presence and you will find our new website that includes The Shoppes! Custom t-shirts, caps, coffee and travel mugs, crafts, picnic tables, and flower boxes can be ordered on the website. Videos of the clients tackling various projects can be viewed on Jason’s Place’s blog. While watching, customers learn about the craftsmen.
“Follow your favorite artisan to see what they are up to making,” encouraged Hadnett. “We would also love for you to follow us on Facebook, give us a like and some love!”
From the beginning, Hadnett’s mother was a great encouragement, exclaiming that Hadnett was meant to do this all along, but didn’t know it. Hadnett has been blessed with great experiences as a social worker, a teacher, and an instructional coach, learning from the best professionals in the business. Her son, Jason, was born eleven weeks early, weighing in at just 2 pounds.
“His road was a rocky one but he’s a fighter and here we are today!” Hadnett exclaimed. Jason is my inspiration and the reason Jason’s Place was created. This May, Jason’s Place is celebrating five years in business. It’s hard to believe what was just a dream is now a part of our community. Words of wisdom; always listen to your Mom!”
Introducing Joe Albert simply through images…captured by Kasen Woodard
PHOTOS BY KASEN WOODARDEvery month we welcome a new person to Joe Albert Studios in Downtown Canton for our Beauty Belongs to Everyone feature! In this feature, we do a full-page article dedicated to nothing but images captured by legendary Canton Photographer Joe Albert.
Kasen Woodard was our first-ever feature for this segment last June in our launch issue and in honor of this, we brought him back for our 1-year wrap-up……With a twist……We are turning the tables!
In this month’s feature, Kasen becomes the photographer with Joe and his assistant Fran (and some others) in the hot seat! Enjoy these magical images...and memories that resulted from the photo session!
YGA Transportation is the leading medical transportation throughout Summit, Stark, Medina, Mahoning, Portage, Cuyahoga County. YGA Transportation services include:
• Wheelchair • Recreational • Dialysis Transport
• Psychiatric Transport • Long-distance Transport
• Grocery Shopping • Doctor's Appointments and so much MORE!
The Community Integration Day Program offers a variety of activities designed to promote socialization and integration among individuals of all ages and abilities. The program provides structured activities, educational classes, socialization events, and recreational outings that are designed to facilitate the development of relationships, communication, and understanding. Participants are encouraged to explore their interests, express themselves, and learn new skills while engaging in meaningful activities with peers and staff. There is an emphasis on individualized and group learning experiences, building self-esteem, and developing meaningful relationships. The program is designed to help individuals become more independent, self-sufficient, and integrated into their community. It offers a safe and supportive environment where everyone can be successful.
We offer HomeCare/HPC and MANY other services. Call Us Today for More Information!
ADULT DAY SUPPORT
Next to Kin offers hands-on employ-ability skills training that addresses personal care, self-determination, job readiness, recreation & leisure activities.
HOME CARE AND PERSONAL CARE
Next to Kin will assist individuals with their daily living activities in the individual's home. Duties performed at a place or residence may include housekeeping (laundry, dishes, meal prep, etc.). We can also assist with appointment making, nutrition, and personal care.
RESPITE
Respite is for individuals who are unable to care for themselves for a short-term basis, because of the absence or need for relief of those persons who normally provide care.
FOSTER CARE
Next to Kin offers Adult Foster to individuals who are not capable of living alone. We provide a quality and private home setting.
COMMUNITY INCLUSION
Next to Kin provides support that promotes getting out and being involved in his/her community
WRITTEN BY MHANI VARNER
Hi, my name is Mhani Varner, and I’d like to tell everyone a little bit about me. I will be 10 on April 6 th and I am so excited to finally be in the double digits. Mom said when I turn 12 I’ll be a preteen, and I can getmy second ear piercing and maybe an Iphone. I love to dance, sing, and draw, but my most favorite things to do is hang with my friends, and cousins. I am also excited about getting a new classmate next week, she’s a girl.
My school’s name is Julie Billiart, and at school I love to race with my friends on the playground and be silly, in gym I play volleyball but none of my classmates understand the game. My favorite subjects are math and reading. And
my favorite colors are all the colors. I live at home with my mom, stepdad, one older sister (my other older sister went to college but takes me for boba tea on the weekends), and my baby brother. Things I love to do at home during my free time is text my friends on my iPad, play my favorite game on my iPad, and spent time with mom. I also love to read and recently started reading a chapter book called Junie B Jones.
My favorites things are glued on fingernails, but mom makes me wear press ons which are so annoying because they fall off. I love makeup but mom says I cant wear it out the house until 15. I love all things apple, apple pen, apple headphones, and apple I pad but mom says I have to wait until I’m a teen to get most of them, I can’t wait to be a teenager. My favorite things to eat are cabbage, sushi, olives, and Chinese food. My favorite restaurant is Olive Garden because it has the best spaghetti.
My favorite people are my mom, my BFF’s Mia and Wyatt (Wyatt’s sister Simone) and my cousin’s Graycen and Passion.
I take 4 different types of dance, Ballet, Tap, Modern, and Acro, my favorite dance are Ballet
My favorite holidays are Christmas because Jesus was born and I get tons of gifts. And Easter because Jesus was risen from the dead, and I get
When I grow up I want to be a youtuber, singer and a celebrity. My favorite things to watch on youtube are make up tutorials, roblox, and art sketches. My favorite TV show Is “Once Upon a Time”, and my favorite singers are Arianna Grande and Justin Bieber. I had a dog named Bella, she was bought for my sister Laya’s 7th birthday, she recently passed away at 13, she was the sweetest dog, and when you multiply her age by 7 she was 91. I heard she crossed the rainbow bridge and God was waiting at the end to open the gates to heaven. She’s now with my moms dog named Dog that she had when she was a kid.
Things I want the world to know about me is that I have Autism. It causes sensory issues for me but after a couple of years I’ve started to get over those issues. I used to be scared of running water that was loud, automatic toilets, but now I am over my fears.
I want to tell others who also have Autism like me or anything else to always be awesome, stay kind, but if you have nothing still stay kind to one another. And you are awesome too. Everyone is beautiful and handsome in their own ways.
IncludeAbility’s mission is to create an accessible world where individuals with physical disabilities are empowered and included in all aspects of life. The organization hopes to address several areas including healthcare, housing, emergency preparedness, recreation, employment, transportation, education, and well-being.
“We decided to focus on safety first and help our school districts develop an inclusive emergency preparedness plan,” said IncludeAbility’s Chief Executive Officer, Julie Hartzler. “Wooster City Schools was our pilot program. We were able to purchase six evacuation chairs through a grant we received from the Wayne County Community Foundation. We have two chairs in each multi-level building in our district. This will allow students, teachers, or visitors with a disability to evacuate the building with their
peers in the event of an emergency. The chairs allow for quick and safe evacuation of the buildings.”
“My dream is that every school district in Ohio will have an inclusive emergency preparedness plan for their building,” Hartzler added.
Along with the inclusive emergency preparedness, IncludeAbility is working on building a library of accessible equipment for individuals to sign out and use. The organization expects to receive two hiking wheelchairs, one each for an adult and a child. The goal is for individuals with mobility impairments to use these to hike with their family and friends. In addition, IncludeAbility is building an accessible evaluation form for hiking trails, allowing individuals and families to view how accessible different trails are. It will include pictures and explanations of the parking, bathrooms, the terrain of the trails, and more.
The organization also plans to purchase equipment such as portable ramps, grass mats, and beach wheelchairs. The organization expects organizations and individuals to share these items in their communities, eliminating the cost barrier and allowing for more inclusive recreation, promoting health and well-being.
“In the future, we hope to work with community leaders to provide more accessible housing,” stated Hartzler. “We want to build communities where most houses are accessible, not just a few. This allows for everyone to invite friends, parents, or family members with mobility disabilities to their home. We want zero stair entrances and a bathroom on the main level that would allow a wheelchair to enter. This also allows for more individuals to age in place as they get older, without the burden of making accommodations to their home.
In addition, we hope to work with the healthcare system to provide better care for individuals with disabilities. These are just a few of the dreams we have!”
IncludeAbility will celebrate its two-year anniversary in May. The organization would like to add to its library of equipment, and also purchase evacuation chairs for more schools. Each evacuation chair costs approximately $4,700. Monetary donations can be made through the website www.include-ability.org or by contacting Julie Hartzler directly at juliehartzler@include-ability.org.
“I have a 14-year-old daughter, Makayla, who was born with Spina Bifida. Over the past 14 years I have become aware of the many barriers
within our communities for people with physical disabilities,” Hartzler explained. “My passion to advocate for equity and opportunity for her, and others with disabilities is what lead me to starting IncludeAbility. I have spoken with many families around the country, discussing many of the same barriers we also see. Our hope is to bring the right people to the table to advocate and educate those who can help us create change for a better future. We believe through collaboration with our community members, we can be a leader for a more inclusive tomorrow.”
More information about IncludeAbility can be found at www.include-ability.org or by calling 513-218-1566.
Hello! My name is Kevin Jordan. I was featured in the October edition of the magazine and was born with Spina Bifida which is a birth defect where a portion of the spine does not completely form leaving paralysis and other medical issues. It has not always been the easiest growing up however I have managed it the best I could with the help of my family. The one thing I felt was hardest for me is handicap accessibility in some places. For instance, I can go into one store and get through it with my chair just fine, then I go into the next store, and I have a difficult time.
I have also often found many places where they had a second floor with no elevator or other types of accessibility. I would love to see so many other places such as stores, churches, restaurants, and even playgrounds to be more open to people with different disabilities. I know there are some but there still are not enough. I would love to see this become
a bigger priority going forward in the near future. I would love it if more businesses would be open to making sure they do whatever they can to ensure all customers and people can be comfortable in their locations regardless of ability level.
According to Forbes in an article published in July of 2022, there are 5 simple ways you can make your business more welcoming and accessible to customers with disabilities.
1. EASY PARKING AND ENTRANCES. People with various disabilities who drive choose businesses with the most accessible and available parking spaces. Designating handicapped parking spaces need to be laid out and marked in a certain way, something that is still overlooked and misunderstood. The spaces should be as close as possible to the main customer entrance and generally 8 feet in width. The also should have marked “access aisles” adjacent so the driver has room to get out of their vehicle without hitting a neighboring car.
2. ENSURE WIDER PATHWAYS WITH LESS CLUTTER. People with disabilities, especially those with mobility impairments, need space to move. For a start, they need wide, smooth sidewalks to get easily in and out of your business. Accessibility of this kind cannot stop at the door either. Once inside, people with disabilities oftentimes need wide, clear pathways, product aisles, and gathering areas. Having enough clear space to walk or turn a wheelchair around without crashing into product displays or other customers is vital to a person with a disabilities experience inside of your location.
3. HAVING REACHABLE, USABLE, AND WELL-LIT INTERIORS.
High shelves, service counters, and tables are bad for wheelchair users, and others who have more trouble than
most reaching higher-up items to see or grab within your business. Try to be as creative as you can to keep the things you want customers to see, use and buy on lower levels. As a good general rule, think in terms of keeping things to be reached and handled below 4 feet high if possible.
4. WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE RESTROOMS.
For restaurants especially, good, accessible restrooms are key. In any place where you hope your customers will stay longer than a half hour, they need to be able to access the restroom. Restroom accessibility is one of the more complicated things in terms of proper design. Take the time to look up and fully understand all of the requirements. If possible get professional help before you try to approach it as a DIY project.
5. ENSURING YOUR STAFF IS AWARE AND RESPONSIVE. It should not need to be said but it is always worth repeating. Physical accessibility is only part of making a business more welcoming to people with disabilities. It is much harder to adjust door widths and toilet placements, however, staff attitudes and practices can change a person with a disabilities experience inside of your business. Helpful and considerate staff members can even help compensate for at least some aspects of a less-than-ideal physical accessibility issue.
May 20, Jun e 4 , July 15, Aug. 6 and Sept 16 at 9 a.m.
We’re opening an hour early for guests who do not like loud noises or crowds to enjoy the zoo before it opens!
Once upon a time, there was a girl named Alison, and she moved to a neighborhood. She was scared to go to her new school because she worried there would be bullies there.
But she went to school and met a new friend, named Maria. Maria invited Alison after school to go to Starbucks and get a hot chocolate. Unfortunately, her mom said she could not go because they didn’t have the money, it was $25 and she only had $10. The day was over and she said goodbye to Maria.
That night she went to bed, but when she woke up her mom made her some hot chocolate. But her stomach hurts from the hot chocolate. She didn’t go to school.
Alison told Maria she couldn’t go to school that day. Maria felt bad and drew a nice picture and left it on Alison’s desk. The next morning, she was feeling better.
Mom took her to school and Alison gave her a big hug.
600 years later, Alison and Maria both grew up to be moms. All the kids grew up and they all became best friends. The End.
Oh, and if you think this story is over kids, HAHA... there’s a puppy that wiggles its butt.
The End
Monday- Money & ME (Self advocacy)
Tuesday- Talking & Technology Skills
Wednesday- What's Happening & Workout Skils
Thursday- Cooking (tasty) & Safety Skills
Friday- Funday Activities
Teammates Center offers Transportation for individuals in many cities who attend Teammates.
Teammates Center helps individuals focus on job skills by doing mock interviews, practice job applications, community based volunteer sites, to help improve the skills of your teammate to increase their chances of getting a job of their choice.
Teammates Center Provides Adult Day Services for your Teammate improve their independence.
Teammates Center offers activities to bowling alleys, putt putt courses, the zoo, pumpkin patches, art museums, swimming pools, and many other activities chose by individuals who attend Teammates Center.
Teammates Center Provides Vocational Habilitation Services for your Teammate to better their job skills
Teammates Center has many non-paid volunteer job opportunities for individuals who attend Teammates. The VOC-HAB program focus' on individuals who are close to getting jobs and helps improve their skill set by volunteering at sites for an extended period of time to help improve their work stamina.
Teammates Center
323 S Main St, Munroe Falls, Suite 1 Ohio 44262 (234) 571-5876 • http://Teammatescenter.org
Teammates Center keeps records/data of each individual to track the improvement in areas such as quality of work, stamina, communication. We individualize our support to meet the need of the person served. Our goal is to increase the independence of the people coming to Teammates so they can gain competitive employment.
Volunteer Activities
See Continuing Ed. Activities Section of website for more information.
Hey everyone! It’s the Big Dog Nick Doyle! My experience going to Castle Noel for my photo shoot was amazing and I would love to visit there again!
I am excited to be back in Special Needs Magazine. I wanted to write about how much I love my community and the city of Canton. In 2021 I
was nominated and won the Twenty Under 40 award for being active in the community. Canton is a great place to live, and we have a lot of fun events like Downtown Canton First Friday, the Hall of Fame Game, and The Concert for Legends, and we have a lot of great local restaurants to go
Nick Doyle shares his local favorites
eat at. I also love a lot of the great non-profits that are in the community. For my article, I wanted to share with everyone all of my favorite places. I picked these non-profits because I wanted to give back to all of these organizations because I have Down Syndrome and I want to give back to other people like me to help them grow and have the same jobs and opportunities I have in our community. I also wanted to tell you about my favorite places to go, eat and have fun at. I go to Midnight City Cross Fit 3 days a week and I also work at Applebee’s as a host. I love to go to the Canton Brewing Company in Downtown Canton and Harmon’s Pub with my brother Mike! I also love to go to Jerzees with my sister when she comes home from Las Vegas! I also picked Lucca because I love to go Downtown Canton and it’s my favorite restaurant there to eat at! I would love for you to go check out my favorite places because they have great food and drinks, and I would love for you to come to Applebee’s and say hi to the Big Dogg. I also would like you to look at my favorite non-profits because they know how to support people like me that have Down Syndrome! Thank you for checking out this magazine and reading my article.
FAVORITE NON-PROFITS
Stand Up For Downs is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of those with developmental disabilities through humor. Their website is www. standupfordowns.org
Gigi’s Playhouse in Canton
Gigi’s Playhouse is in Belden Village and is an interactive achievement center that supports for people with Down Syndrome and their families with free services they need! Their website is www.gigisplayhouse.org/canton
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. I would love for you to support them! Their website is www.wholelattelovecafe.org
FAVORITE PLACES
Applebee’s
The Applebee’s in Canton is in Belden Village and is where I work. I am a host. They are at 4981 Dresser Rd NW.
Lucca
Lucca is in Downtown Canton and is a delicious, modern restaurant for traditional Italian Cuisine. It is at 228 4th St NW.
Harmon’s Pub
I always go to Harmons Pub with my brother Mike. They have a full menu of traditional pub grub. They are at 2329 Tuscarawas St W in Canton.
Canton Brewing Company
Canton Brewing Company is a locally owned Craft Brewery also located in Downtown Canton. They are at 120 3rd St NW.
Jerzees
I always love going to Jerzees with my sister when she is back home from Las Vegas where she lives. Jerzees is a great sports bar in Belden Village. They are at 5260 Dressler Rd NW.
Midnight City Cross Fit
I go to Midnight City Cross Fit to work out 3 days a week! I also coach classes there as well! They are at 6199 Dressler Rd NW #B.
Creative Rehab provides services designed to help people with disabilities explore and secure community employment. The organization is a vendor for Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and works in
conjunction with OOD to provide employment services to high school students, as well as young and older adults.
Creative Rehab works with clients ages 14 on, up to those in their 80’s. The business has focused
on expanding its services for high school-aged students, realizing that this is an important age to learn about working, the benefits of having a job, and how to be successful. Through a service called Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) that takes place at school, Creative Rehab helps students start thinking about working and exploring different career options. In addition, Creative Rehab’s Summer Youth Work Experience lets students work in small groups for five weeks with a job coach.
“Creative Rehab is an innovative and influential program which provides emerging employment skills for individuals with diverse needs. The guidance and individualized approach from the Divisional Director Kelly Witt, the Job Coaches, and the entire Creative Rehab team has
continued Bergert. “We have such a great group of employees covering six counties: Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas, Medina, Holmes, and Carroll. Creative Rehab will help people realize their strengths, and we find ways to catapult these strengths into a successful career.”
Rev. Dr. Vicki Breckner and her husband, David, adopted three special needs children from Summit County Children’s Services 18 years ago. When two of the children became teenagers and sought employment, the family became involved with OOD. OOD referred the Breckners to agencies that could help the teens work on their resumes, help them find jobs, and even provide a job coach to assist them for their first couple of weeks working. After phoning Bergert, they knew they had found the right fit. The job developers helped their son gain employment and helped their daughter gain the self-confidence needed for working two parttime jobs and as a teacher’s aide for preschool through kindergarten.
greatly assisted my students in their successful transition into the world of work,” said Sam Porter, Principal of the Stark County Educational Service Center High School Program.
In addition to Kelly Witt, AJ Harris is the Divisional Director for Summit County and Erica Jones is the Divisional Director for Tuscarawas, Carroll, and Holmes Counties.
When the President and Owner of Creative Rehab, Mark Bergert, was younger, he often jobhopped and struggled with finding a job that was meaningful and enjoyable. In 1994, he was hired to help coach a small group of individuals with disabilities at different job sites and realized he had found his calling.
“I started working for Creative Rehab in 2003 as a Divisional Director,” Bergert explained. “After helping to grow and expand the business, I decided I wanted to do even more. I was considering branching off to start my own business but instead, I purchased Creative Rehab from the previous owner in 2016.”
“Creative Rehab is proud of our ability to adapt our services to the needs of the individual,”
“I hear from so many people that they did not know these services existed,” Bergert stated. “If you have a disability, or you are the parent or legal guardian of someone with a disability, find out what services and opportunities are available. Speak to someone at your high school, contact your local Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities office, or call Creative Rehab. All of our services are free; there is no fee for the people we assist or for the employers we work with. To local business owners and managers, I would ask that they keep an open mind about hiring someone with a disability.”
Bergert grew up in Canton, graduating from GlenOak High School in 1986. His wife, Danielle, is a teacher at GlenOak, and both of their children are/were involved in Plain Local Schools. Bergert has worked in the Akron/ Canton area, in this field, for over 28 years. The employees of Creative Rehab gather donations for local charities, and the company supports local agencies such as the Autism Society of Greater Akron, Head Start, The Salvation Army, and the Haven of Rest.
More information can be found at www. creativerehab.info or by calling 330-806-0497.
Creative Rehab is proud of our ability to adapt our services to the needs of the individual,”
Last year I was going to Columbus, Ohio, to train for the USA Special Olympics and felt like life couldn’t get any better. But it did! I had an amazing time training and preparing for the event. When I got to Florida, things changed for me once again.
Every experience there had an impact on me. I learned that I could travel without my parents. That was scary! However, I had some comfort knowing they would be close by in Florida. I learned to adjust to others’ needs. My roommate and I are so different. She likes the room freezing; I like the room a little warmer. I had to learn to adjust to what the group
wanted, even when I did not want to do what everyone agreed to. I learned how to lose. I had never lost a race before, so learning to lose did not feel good. But I realized it was okay, and the experience alone was worth it all.
I shall never forget walking out of the tunnel, waving, and seeing all these people cheering for the athletics. It was an amazing feeling and a dream of a lifetime! It opened my eyes to a new journey I wanted to explore. I am determined to have a track team where I coach and direct the team. My goal is to start with a unified relay team. Then grow into a group of children under the age of 13. I remember being young and feeling left out at school. It takes me longer to process things. I sometimes need things repeated or rearranged for me to understand. I want to help children with special needs by giving them something to do and feel proud of and something for their families to rejoice in as they grow.
Then I was given another opportunity to be the assistant coach for our cheerleading team. When Pam Davis (the formal Special Olympics Director) asked me to be an assistant coach, I thought this couldn’t get any better. But it did! Ms. Pam then asked me if I wanted to represent Summit County to go to Columbus to assist teachers and coaches in training people with disabilities for track and field. This is perfect, I thought! Not only do I get to help prepare our
future coaches for my special needs community, but I will also have the opportunity to make connections. Again, an amazing opportunity. While in Columbus, I plan to visit the capital to meet with our State Representatives. I am planning to visit Washington, D.C., to meet our representative, as this has always been a dream of mine.
Then I won the Ohio Miss Amazing Sr. Miss Queen for 2023. This is a pageant for young girls and women with special needs to have a pageant where we can share our abilities. I will go to Chicago this summer to compete at Nationals. I am working very hard to win at Nationals.
Last but not least is this opportunity to be featured in a magazine! To see your picture and story in a fancy magazine is amazing!
WRITTEN
Questions asked by mom and answered by Mister Grady (you’ll see)
Question: What is the grossest food you’ve ever tasted?
Answer: A stinky sandwich
Question: If you were in a circus, what would your act be?
Answer: Shoot the cannon and be the heavy-weight man (lifting a barbell)
Question: What is your favorite family tradition?
Answer: Playing games and watch a movie
Question: What is your dad’s job?
Answer: Laundry
Question: If everyone in your family was a different animal, what kind would they be?
Answer: Grady – an elephant; brother – a tiger; sister – a walrus; Dad –panda; Mom – goat
Question: What is the best food your mom makes?
Answer: Soup
Question: What zoo animal would you like for a pet and where would you keep it?
Answer: An elephant, with my stuffed animals
Question: What is your favorite thing to smell?
Answer: A skunk
Question: What makes someone smart?
Answer: Going to the library
in a bowl. Use a mixer and mix it, then mix it faster. Put them in the oven on a cookie sheet, close the door, and start the timer for 20 minutes. Put on oven mitts, take the cookie sheet out of the oven, take the cookies off with a pancake flipper, and put them on a plate. Get milk and eat the cookies.
Question: If you could make a new rule, what would it be?
Answer: That everyone calls me Mr. Grady
Question: Where does the sun go at night?
Answer: Underground
Question: Would you rather live on a beach or in a castle?
Answer: In a castle and be the beast
Question: What movie would you like to be in and what part would you be?
Answer: The Grinch movie; I would be the Grinch and my brother would be Max the dog
Question: What is your favorite vegetable?
Answer: Carrots
Question: If you could be a super hero which one would you be?
Answer: Captain Underpants
Question: What is the grossest food you’ve ever tasted?
Answer: A stinky sandwich
Question: If you were in a circus, what would your act be?
Answer: Shoot the cannon and be the heavy-weight man (lifting a barbell)
Question: What is your favorite family tradition?
Answer: Playing games and watch a movie
Question: What is your dad’s job?
Answer: Laundry
Question: If everyone in your family was a different animal, what kind would they be?
Answer: Grady – an elephant; brother – a tiger; sister – a walrus; Dad –panda; Mom – goat
Question: What is the best food your mom makes?
Answer: Soup
Question: What zoo animal would you like for a pet and where would you keep it?
Answer: An elephant, with my stuffed animals
Question: What is your favorite thing to smell?
Answer: A skunk
Question: What makes someone smart?
Answer: Going to the library
Question: How do you make chocolate chip cookies?
Answer: Put chocolate chips, brown sugar, eggs, white sugar, (and that’s it) in a bowl. Use a mixer and mix it, then mix it faster. Put them in the oven on a cookie sheet, close the door, and start the timer for 20 minutes. Put on oven mitts, take the cookie sheet out of the oven, take
the cookies off with a pancake flipper, and put them on a plate. Get milk and eat the cookies.
Question: If you could make a new rule, what would it be?
Answer: That everyone calls me Mr. Grady
Question: Where does the sun go at night?
Answer: Underground
Question: Would you rather live on a beach or in a castle?
Answer: In a castle and be the beast
Question: What movie would you like to be in and what part would you be?
Answer: The Grinch movie; I would be the Grinch and my brother would be Max the dog
Question: What is your favorite vegetable?
Answer: Carrots
Question: If you could be a super hero which one would you be?
Answer: Captain Underpants
Ships and Delivers Frozen Wholesale Meats to You. We are a small locally run business and we work with local farmers to bring you the best.
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ANDY CAMPBELL
www.campbelllandscaping.com andy@campbelllandscaping.com
(Supports: Carve Your Own Path)
DEAN MILLER www.facebook.com/ clearviewdsi
clearviewdsi@gmail.com
(Supports: Sharing Solutions)
These local businesses are supporting our community in a big way!
GLENNA WILSON
www.charishomes.com
gwilson@charishomes.com
(Supports: Whole Latte Love Cafe)
BRANDI PINE
www.expresspros.com/ cantonoh
brandi.pine@expresspros.com
(Supports: First Christian Church)
MIKE STURDIVANT www.StarkFlavor.com info@starkflavor.com
(Supports: Whole Latte Love Cafe)
BETH STROUBLE www.stroubletrucking.com
Stroubletrucking@yahoo.com
(Supports: GiGi’s Playhouse)
MONICA RANKIN
www.paragonabs.com monica@paragonabs.com
(Supports: GiGi’s Playhouse)
AKRON & CANTON SPECIAL NEEDS LIVING
The businesses shown on this page are those committing financial support to local community resources that couldn’t afford to advertise in Akron & Canton Special Needs Living magazine on their own.
Feel free to repay the generosity these local business owners are showing by giving them a Like and Follow on Social Media, a Review on Google or Facebook or if you have a need that can be met by one of these businesses, give them a call. I’m sure they will be thrilled to serve you!
What's Included?
Individuals have access to fun and interactive daily and weekly trips!
Local: Bowling, Breakfast out and about, Pumpkin Patch, Vineyards, Zoo, Plays, Fairs, Etc.
In State: Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Mentor on the Lake, Geneva on the Lake, Columbus- Zoo, German Town, Eaton, Sandusky - Cedar Point, Kalahari, CincinnatiKings Island, Zoo, Etc.
Out of State: Pa- Hershey PA, Buffalo NY, Orlando Fl- Disney, Etc.
Out of Country: Cruise Time - Mexico, Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, Disney Cruise And Much, Much More!
