Employments Symposium

I headed to Philadelphia today with 7 of my kids to take part in an event sponsored by Networks for Training & Development. Last year, I took a course with them to become a Communication Mentor, hoping to work with individuals who are non-verbal. Learning about Assistive Technologies has opened  my mind to a paradigm shift; being able to facilitate communication for people with physical and intellectual challenges has had some amazing results.
While attending classes at Arcadia University, I met some amazing people. Jill Gromen was one of the organizers for today's event, and she & I had some conversations about my son's experiences with a mentor who led him to find work doing photography and video production & editing. Chris made his debut as a speaker, taking part on a panel with three other young people overcoming obstacles like he has. He was eloquent as he shared his relationship with his  hero, and told the story of how meeting Bill led to his pursuit of an entrepreneur venture. His presentation was met with overwhelming approval, as was his display of his photography, and his short video clip from his latest soccer film.
The O'Clan Contingent of the Rebel Heart Irish Dancers (Miss Stephanie, Andrew, Robert, Maria, John Paul, Teresa, and I) performed during the lunch break. Miss Stephanie talked about the founding, growth, and development of the troupe, and our mission in education, entertainment, community involvement, and outreach.
She explained how her siblings take part in almost all of shows, and help with teaching, choreography, costume design & construction, running shows, and taking care of all aspects of business.
It was difficult to leave the Crowne Plaza, because so many of the participants were overwhelmed with the contributions we made to the event.
Miss Stephanie got an email from the organizers of this year's TASH conference in November. They said they were reviewing  our proposal to perform and present our story at this year's event in California. They are trying to see if they can fit us into the schedule (and hopefully fund our travel and lodging expenses). I am keeping my fingers crossed and my outlook hopeful.
I'll update when I hear more.
And speaking of updates, my poem "Silent Voice" was rejected for this year's version of Wild Onions Magazine. I'll get over it. It was meant for Alina--not everyone affiliated with Penn State College of Medicine Department of Humanities, after all. And she & her mom loved it. In the end, that's all that matters.