'Smart Walk' For Kids With Learning Disabilities, Oct. 3

Bridgeport, CT - The Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities organization invites the community to join in a day of celebration at the third annual Smart Walk for Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities on Sunday, October 3^rd at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport.

This lively event includes crafts, games, music, ice cream, touch-a-truck, and a scenic 2-mile walk. Local celebrity author Melissa Shapiro, DVM, of Westport, CT, will appear with her inspiring deaf, blind, and very pink puppy, Piglet, with copies of her book provided by Books on the Common bookstore, of Ridgefield. Westport comedian Stephanie Bass will also sell copies of her new book, Driveway Showcase: My Blackboard Diary: A Comedian's Year in Lockdown.

“Please join in this fun day that supports our mission of helping parents realize their children’s significant gifts and talents, and demonstrates that with their love, guidance, and the right support, their children can live happy and productive lives,” said Jane Ross, executive director, Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities.

Across the nation, one in five children have learning disabilities (LD) and attention issues, and 80% of parents, teachers and the public still confuse LD with below-average intelligence. Most parents, roughly 66%, are conflicted and struggle deeply to cope with their children’s LD.

This signature fundraiser raises funds for Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities’ educational and youth mentoring programs, parent networking support, Countdown to Kindergarten pre-school literacy program, and extensive, award-winning digital resources for families. The organization’s blog and comprehensive website are consistently top-ranked for parents of special needs children.

The event begins at noon, rain or shine. Please visit https://bit.ly/2UGuNIa to register for as little as $15, and kids under age five are free. Participants receive a t-shirt and kids ages 16 and under get free ice cream. Families are encouraged to create their own fundraising pages to invite support from friends and colleagues.  

Speaker Ashley Raymond, a senior at Western Connecticut State University, will provide an inside perspective of what it is like to grow up with a learning disability. Robert Tudisco, a nationally known disability rights attorney with Barger & Gaines, author, and motivational speaker, will lead the walk’s opening ceremony. Tudisco will discuss the promising future these young people can look forward to, and the importance of their parents serving as their champions and advocates. Additionally, students from Norwalk’s Crystal Theatre will perform.

“Your support in celebrating the strengths and talents of young people with learning and attention difficulties will go a long way in helping to reject the stigma long attached to these issues. We ask that you please join in this safe and impactful fundraiser that helps to provide parents with the information and support they need to help their children succeed,” said Ross.

A variety of high-profile sponsorships are currently available. To learn more, contact Jane Ross, Executive Director of Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, Inc. at jross@smartkidswithld.org or call (203) 226-6831. For additional information, visit www.smartkidswithld.org.

Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities would like to thank its generous sponsors to date, including The Jay & Sari Canell Family Foundation; the Wooster School Bridge Program; The Southport School; Wilson & Son Jewelers of Scarsdale; the O'Hare Family; The Gow School; Gray Matters; Anxiety Institute; Winston Prep School; and radio media sponsor WSHU, and exclusive magazine sponsor Moffly Media/Westport Magazine.