I always wanted to teach and speak publically about disability awareness. But having autism, I did not have the interpersonal skills or self confidence to make my dreams a reality. That is, until my professors suggested theater training. This changed my life. I am now a professor at National Louis University and speak internationally. All of this is possible for me because of theater.

To read more about the impact of theater click here.

P.S. Special Gifts Theatre has a  challenge grant in place! Any new or increased donation we receive for our program will be doubled!

2011 Spotlight
2010 Spotlight
2009 Spotlight

To mark the occasion of his becoming a bar mitzvah, Asher chose to educate and involve his friends in his work with SGT.   Asher’s friends and family were invited to assemble informational packets about the program, paint sections of the set and decorate banners for the auditorium.   Instead of gifts, Asher requested that guests make donations to SGT, raising over $15,000 for the program.

Asher’s experience with SGT certainly extends to his life outside the program.  Patience and empathy are values and skills taught at home, but definitely enhanced by participating in SGT.  What Asher likes most about his time with SGT is feeling that he is making a difference!

John’s first production was Music Man when he was just five years old.   His participation required a great deal of assistance from the Special Gifts team of therapists.   During the first year, he had a difficult time focusing during practices, transitioning on and offstage, interacting, making friends as well as comprehending the story and music.  But on the day of the performance John shined!  He proudly wore his costume, marched on stage and participated in the song and dance routines with wonderful assistance from his peer mentor.  Eight years later, John has blossomed in the program, receiving larger roles, has his own speaking lines, and even escorted Cinderella to the ball!

We have seen how John’s experience with SGT has impacted him not only on stage, but in the classroom at school.   His self confidence has grown ten-fold!  He has participated more actively in his music class including performing in all of the school musical assemblies without an aide or assistance from his teachers.

This year, will mark John’s 9th Special Gifts production.  We are so grateful to the staff, team of therapists and most of all the wonderful peer mentors who give up their time and other extra school activities to dedicate so much time to assist the students in the cast!

Special Gifts Theatre has been part of my life since I became a mentor in 3^rd Grade. I could never have imagined the relationship created with my buddy throughout the years. Meeting with him every week, practicing lines, celebrating accomplishments; by seventh grade, we were simply friends, as opposed to a mentor and buddy. Just last year, he told me that he took two public buses to see the show; demonstrating what SGT is all about: breaking down barriers and showing the true potential of all individuals.

After mentoring for 6 years, I began volunteering on the stage crew and soon after, accepted the position of Stage Crew Chief – becoming the youngest team member on staff.  My years as a mentor, volunteer, and staff member at SGT have set the course for my life to be one of compassion, acceptance, and advocacy for all individuals.

This has truly been a family effort. My sister, Hannah, joined me as a mentor for most of her high school experience, while my parents remain proud supporters. Together, we thank SGT for the lessons learned and encourage you to help be part of continuing the hard work!

We are very proud to support this great organization!

Our Peer Mentor Advisory Committee has taken on more than simply advising new mentors. Sarah has raised over $5000 with her fundraising efforts, Kevin is putting together a group of friends to support SGT, Katie is increasing our social media efforts – the list goes on!  All of them have learned the choreography early in the summer so that they can assist in teaching the dances to the students throughout the season.  They lead groups during training and provide assistance in the classrooms for new mentors. As if that was not enough, they each act as peer mentors to a buddy, modeling how natural friendships form and raising the bar for how our peer mentor program operates.

A big thank you to all our committee members for your efforts, devotion and example!

Thank you SGT, for allowing our family to be part of this incredible organization!

Being a part of this program has been the most significant and important thing I have ever done…hands down.