These students with 'special needs' effortlessly generated ripples of positivity throughout the school. They did not set out to have this effect on our community: it was their natural gift. I knew then, all those years ago, that my mission would be to promote the unique and powerful impact of these students. Ten years later, after completing my education and finding my husband, I was granted a wish. A wish so big and so rare that I still cannot believe it came true. My husband and I were given a new seat, at a new table, when our first child was born with Down syndrome.

Supporting people with intellectual disabilities to harness their superpower, discover their passions, and impact their community had long been my objective. But Logan's diagnosis has given me a place 'inside the circle.' I now approach my objective with firsthand appreciation for the barriers to overcome, the urgency to act, and the obligation to succeed.

Now I am not only advocating for 'my people,' I am creating a future for our son.

But what is 'future' other then the falling of one day into the next? Experiencing the passing of time is not an accurate illustration of the future I seek to construct for our son. I strive to create a future of equal value for him that emulates what is accessible to his neurotypical counterparts.

A future of possibility exists for a "typical" person to step into. It is not easy, or seamless, or flawless. But a possibility for education, travel, self exploration, career searching, the making of significant mistakes and recovery from those blunders is available. There is a framework in place for the typical person to find their way.

In grade 4, the age of 10, neurotypical, domestically supported, and financially sound individuals are inadvertently drawn into their community, the workforce, and beyond. New and valued experiences emerge in athletics, community clubs, summer camps, and employment. Seizing, even just a handful of the opportunities presented allows for the creation of meaningful connections and initiates the formation of valuable social networks. Social connections are the catalyst to a prosperous future. When two or more people share a valued experience, they become meaningfully connected. Once meaningfully connected they are programmed, as humans, to invest and sacrifice for the wellbeing of one another.

This natural expansion of opportunity is not universally available and as a result individuals like our son are left behind. The expectation for him to become a responsible, contributing, valued members of his community is maintained like anyone else, but there is no worn pathway available to guide him. And because he is not afforded opportunity to self discover, develop skills, and connect with like minded others the likelihood of him generating a valued future that like of his 'typical' peers is halted at age 10.

Opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, behavioural challenges, or low economic ceilings to form meaningful connections must be consciously created. My responsibility then, in creating a future of value for 'my people' and our son, is to facilitate opportunity for meaningful connections that lead to dynamic and advantageous social networks that challenge, appreciate, and protect.

Community Connect will allow the fulfillment of this responsibility. The facilitation of accessible, affordable, and sought-after programs that offer a platform for valued experiences to be shared, meaningful connections formed, and social networks initiated.

Together we are creating community and possibility of not just lives lived, but lives well lived.