Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda
Free registration at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-smile-dont-stare-campaign-launch-reception-tickets-11330338347
Smile, Don’t Stare---Change Starts With the Simplest Action: A Smile.
There are nearly 3 million children ages 5 to 17 living with a disability in the United States. Far too many of them feel isolated from others in their community.
Every day, people living with disabilities find themselves being stared at - simply because they may look or act different. While often the product of harmless curiosity, these stares can contribute to isolation that a child and his or her family may feel.
Join The Lollipop Kids Foundation in celebrating the launch of the Smile, Don’t Stare campaign and help shift the tide from isolation to inclusion.
The Smile, Don’t Stare Campaign Launch & Reception
Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and Lollipop Kids Foundation founder Debbie Sahlin will convene a group of inclusion experts, business, education, and government leaders for a discussion about the need for disability awareness and inclusion within our community.
Speakers include:
Chuck Short, Special Assistant to Montgomery County Executive, Panel Moderator
Andraéa LaVant, Inclusion Specialist, Girl Scouts Council of the Nation’s Capital
Dr. Gwendolyn Mason, Director of Special Education Services, Montgomery County Public Schools
Diane Nutting, Director of Access and Inclusion, Imagination Stage
Chase Phillips, Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch
Steve Riley, Executive Director, Potomac Community Resources
Light refreshments will be served
The Smile, Don’t Stare campaign is designed to help people better understand, and communicate with those living with disabilities. As a committed member of the community, we’d be honored to have you as our guest and share a first preview of our Smile, Don’t Stare educational resources with you.
Since 2009, Lollipop Kids Foundation has served over 700 families in the Washington, D.C. area. We exist to combat social stigmas, ease financial burdens and provide a comfortable and fun environment for families and children with disabilities to connect with, learn from and support one another. Learn more at www.lollipopkidsfoundation.org.