The wonders of Kansas
by Beth
Last year at about this time I traveled to Topeka with my Seeing Eye dog to visit Easter Seals Capper Foundation in Topeka, Kansas. A story in the Capital Journal did a beautiful job describing our visit.
Jim Leiker, president and chief executive officer of Easter Seals Capper Foundation, explained the purpose of Finke’s visit to Kidlink, which is an inclusive preschool and child care program for children with or without disabilities.
“She has a disability and has lots of challenges,” Leiker said, “and she has lots of goals and dreams, and she’s been able to achieve those. I think that’s a really positive message for the kids.”
The Capital Journal also took a lot of terrific pictures of me, Hanni, and the kids — here’s
the gallery.
Plenty of the kids in the preschool had autism, but truth is, without being able to see them, I couldn’t tell. Some were scared of Hanni, some couldn’t stop hugging her. Some seemed shy, others wanted to jump on my lap. Which were symptoms of autism, and which were symptoms of … well … childhood? Who knew? All we did know is that something different was happening in the room that day, and that we were all having fun.
This week I got word that Arthur Capper, the founder of Easter Seals Capper Foundation, is one of the 24 finalists in the 8 Wonders of Kansas People Contest. My friends at Easter Seals Capper Foundation are excited about this, as it’s a great way to bring awareness to the people they serve — children and families living with autism and other disabilities.
Easter Seals Capper Foundation needs your help to spread the word. You can vote for Arthur Capper online, and you don’t have to live in Kansas to cast a vote. You can vote THREE times, and you need to cast your votes by October 22.
Thanks for helping my pals at Easter Seals Capper Foundation make sure that Arthur Capper becomes one of the top 8 Wonders of Kansas. Your vote will make families living with autism and other disabilities aware of the fabulous services available to them at Easter Seals Capper Foundation.