Since 2021, I have been a regular volunteer with the FIRE Foundation of Denver, drawn to their mission of supporting children with special needs in attending school alongside their siblings. This cause is deeply personal to me, as my 7-year-old sister, Anna, who has Down syndrome, is the first student with a significant disability to be enrolled at the grade school I once attended. I realized that although Anna is a student at the school, she—and many others with visible or invisible disabilities—may not be fully included in the school community.

Everyone deserves to be valued and befriended for their unique perspectives and personality. Forever Friends serves as the channel through which many kids can create friendships that they otherwise might not have. Friendships and social relationships are an essential component of all children’s lives. However, children with disabilities are commonly excluded from the social environment of their schools (Transitions USA). A critical factor in supporting true inclusion is that fellow classmates see the student with the disability and the student sees themself as a valuable member of the class (NDSS). I’ve noticed that many students with special needs lack true friendships. Conversely, typical students often lack exposure and understanding toward students with disabilities.

My experience with my sister Anna helped me understand that children with disabilities can benefit greatly from having a designated space to form connections. I decided to create a club that would intentionally connect students with disabilities to peers in their same classes through a variety of social activities like crafts, snacks, science experiments, and games.