Second Annual Smart Walk for Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities Takes Off at Sherwood Island State Park on Sunday

After its successful inaugural event last year, Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, the Norwalk-based nonprofit, will hold its Second Annual Smart Walk on Sunday, September 22, 2019, 12 to 3 p.m., at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport.

A dedicated community of families, friends and professionals will gather again to celebrate the strengths of children with learning disabilities and ADHD, empower parents and combat the stigma long associated with these issues. The event will raise funds for critical educational programs, youth mentoring, parent networking, online resources and much more to help families find the support their children need to be successful in school and in life.

Individuals, families, and teams are welcome to walk the approximate 2-mile scenic route at their own pace. The fun-filled event will include games and activities for children and a performance by the Weston High School Chorale. There will be free snacks and food for purchase and an ice-cream truck offering one free ice cream to children 17 and under who have registered with their families and completed the Walk. Registration is available on-site or in advance at https://www.smartkidswithld.org/smartwalk Entry fees are $15 per adult, $10 for children ages 7 through 17 and free for children 6 and under. The Walk will be held rain or shine, and parking is free.

Robert Tudisco, a nationally known disability rights attorney with Barger & Gaines, author, and motivational speaker, will serve as M.C. An adult diagnosed with ADHD, Tudisco is a former member of the National Board of Directors of Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD). Tori Ingulli, a junior at the Wooster School in Danbury, will share her story about how she gained the courage to become a self-advocate.  

Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities relies on parent volunteers to whom the organization has provided life-changing support to help produce educational programs and events in many Connecticut communities. The Smart Walk co-chairs this year are Westport residents Julie McMahon, who has assisted with Smart Kids’ annual conference and lecture series, and Laura Snow, a Westport Chapter leader and the coordinator of Countdown to Kindergarten, a new program that provides training for children's librarians and hosts a series of lessons in pre-literacy skills for parents and children ages 3 to 5. Programs were delivered in Norwalk, Bridgeport and Westport this year.

“Smart Kids' programs are incredibly empowering,” said Kathy Brady of Greenwich. “I learned that I had to aggressively deal with my son's dyslexia, and I had to take charge. What I value most is Smart Kids’ advocacy, knowing what to ask for -  and especially, knowing you're not alone." Smart Kids’ youth programs help youngsters feel good about themselves.  Nick Contino­­ of Bozrah, who attended a youth panel, said: "It feels amazing when someone gets how you feel and understands how I am. Thank you for dedicating time to understand." 

The most recent data from 2017 – 2018 (Connecticut State Department of Education) shows 28,069, 5.5 percent of children in Connecticut diagnosed with specific learning disabilities and over 16,000, 3.2 percent diagnosed with other health-related impairments, including ADHD. Nationally, 6.1 million youngsters were diagnosed with ADHD according to the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health.   Reports have also shown that developmental dyslexia affects 10 to 12 percent of children nationwide. According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), 18 percent of students with learning disabilities are likely to drop out of high school, three times the rate of their peers.

 About Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities

Founded in 2000 by Norwalk resident Jane Ross, executive director, Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities has since grown to include chapters in Stamford/Greenwich, Westport/Wilton, Northern Fairfield County, and Hartford. Its mission is to educate, guide, and inspire parents of children with learning disabilities and ADHD. SKLD helps parents realize their children’s significant gifts and talents, and shows that with their love, guidance, and the right support, their children can live happy and productive lives. The organization provides an award-winning website and blog, free e-newsletter, and educational programs and support so parents can be effective advocates for their children. For more information, visit www.smartkidswithld.org

Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities is grateful for the support of its Walk gold sponsors: Fusion Academy of Fairfield, Fusion Academy of Greenwich and The Canell Group at J. P. Morgan Securities;  silver sponsor: Winston Preparatory School; bronze sponsors: The Southport School, The Southfield Center for Development & Sensory Kids and Westport Family Dental;  and media sponsors: News 12 CT, WEBE 108, WSHU Public Radio and Macaroni Kid.

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Submitted by Norwalk, CT

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