Latest news with #specialneeds
BBC News
a day ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Man, 71, running 121 miles to Stroud for granddaughter
A 71-year-old man is set to run 121 miles from his home to his granddaughter's special needs school in 8 September Stan Bradbury will set off from his home in Weybridge, Surrey, ready to spend the next eight days covering the distance to the Sladewood Academy in efforts are part of a fundraising drive to help fund a specialist play area for pupils like his granddaughter Maggie, 5, who has spent a year at the school."They're looking for a play area that will be safe and accessible for a real variety of physical needs amongst the kids - something that's a bit challenging for them and just exciting," said Mr Bradbury. "It's a lovely school, and they deserve the best facilities they can get," he added. Maggie, he explained, lives with a global development delay caused by Phelan-McDermid syndrome, affecting her speech and mobility. He was inspired to help fundraise for the new play area after taking Maggie to a familiarisation day at the school, where she fell over and skinned her knee at the existing play area after struggling with the accessibility of the equipment on offer. A keen runner for more than 40 years, Mr Bradbury has completed a number of marathons over the years - but this is a new challenge altogether. Racking up around 50 miles a week in training, he said: The worry is not stamina, it's just just getting injured - it's quite easy to do." His training regime involves finding a cafe on the way so he can get a coffee."Custard tarts seem to be the secret ingredient for getting me going on the second half of the run," he added. While admitting he had some trepidation about getting lost along the way, Mr Bradbury said making a difference to the school his granddaughter "loves" made all the preparation well worth it. "I see the the variety of kids coming out of that school at the end of the day and it is lovely to see that they're all getting a terrific education," he said.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
This Special Needs Pup Couldn't Walk—Now He's Spreading Joy to Thousands With Every Wobble
When Kimberly Elliott adopted a Goldendoodle with a neurological disability, she vowed to give him a wonderful life. Little did she know, this spirited pup would soon be doling out hope and joy to the world! Here, read Josh the Goldendoodle's story. While browsing through online animal rescue sites, Kimberly Elliott came across a Facebook post with a photo of a fluffy red Goldendoodle puppy that made her breath catch. The caption read: Fosters needed for Goldendoodle with special needs! Immediately, it piqued her interest since she'd been missing her previous Goldendoodle that had passed away—but this would be a first. With her extensive experience in fostering and adopting from local organizations, Kimberly had never cared for a dog with special needs before. Still, something pulled her in. She was drawn to the photo and felt a call to help him. Whatever it takes, I can do it…I'll learn how to give him the care he needs until he can find his forever home, she vowed. With Kimberly's husband, Andrew, fully on board, they welcomed 'Josh' into their home, but soon discovered how very limited the adorable pooch was in his mobility. Having cerebellar hypoplasia, a painless benign condition where the part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement and balance doesn't fully develop, Josh had no balance and was unable to walk on his own. Overly cautious, Kimberly put pillows, blankets and padding all around the house, and even borrowed a friend's wagon to include Josh on walks with her other dogs. He was severely limited by his disability, yet he adapted to everything so well, and even seemed joyful and content. What if we all accepted our challenges like Josh does? she thought, wrapping her arms around the lovable pup. Kimberly was aglow with a new the Goldendoodle breaks boundaries To make life easier for Josh, Kimberly and Andrew got him a tailor-made wheelchair, a harness with a handle on the back to help him up and guide him to walk, and a roomy backpack for Josh to ride along while they went hiking. This opened up a whole new world where the trio could enjoy the beach, camping and go for walks. Proud of his continued progress, Kimberly shared updates on her personal Facebook page. Soon, someone suggested Josh should have his own Instagram page, so Kimberly jumped right on it and created @JoshTheDoodle. She shared his journey and all his accomplishments like a proud mom, and was blown away by the response. Josh inspires me to feel 'normal' and celebrate who I am, one person wrote. Others loved how Josh didn't provide answers or wave a magic wand, he just existed as who he was. People rejoiced in this perfectly imperfect being, giving others permission to live more fully and authentically. Seeing how Josh touched so many lives, Kimberly started the Be Like Josh Foundation ( specializing in rescue, rehabilitation and advocacy of dogs with neurological disabilities. Through social media, videos, visiting schools and holding community events, Kimberly and Josh, along with the other animals she cares for, spread the message of love and acceptance for all animals—and people—regardless of their differences. Josh the Goldendoodle's 'pawsitive' message In January of 2022, Andrew and Kimberly set out in an RV, launching the official 'Josh Tour,' traveling and hosting free community events called 'Josh Meets.' All proceeds went back to the Be Like Josh Foundation and people of all ages could come and love on Josh. Fans would wait in line for hours just to hug Josh, connect with him, shed tears and laugh uncontrollably. 'We don't know what it is, but Josh is simply magic,' many fans would say. Kimberly came away forever changed, seeing the community of diverse people embracing Josh's message of unconditional love and inclusion—it's a celebration of life! Today, with Josh's popularity soaring and his Instagram growing to 339,000 followers and millions of views, the once homeless pup is now a beloved ambassador for loving and accepting ourselves — just the way we are. 'Through all of our differences, the one thing that we share is our desire to be seen and included…to feel valued, respected and loved,' shares Kimberly. 'For those individuals who have a hard time loving themselves and other people, perhaps they can start by loving Josh and seeing how his heart is what really defines him.' For more feel-good animal stories, keep reading… Meet the Therapy Llamas Bringing Smiles to Airport Travelers and Nursing Home Residents A Daughter's Grief Became a Gift: Her Nonprofit Helps Pets Stay With Ailing Owners How One Woman Turned Her Heartbreak Into a Powerful Mission to Help People and Animals Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
2 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
No Limits Coffee Shop brews opportunity, confidence and independence for adults with special needs
There is a place in Kendall called No Limits Coffee Shop where not only do they brew coffee, but also give adults with special needs a place of belonging, confidence and independence. "How is everything going? That's good, that's good. I hope you're having an amazing day," said employee Peter Bradford as he checked on his table. No Limits Coffee Shop is a place where not only do they serve food and coffee, but brews opportunities, purpose, and a community for young adults with special needs. "It's my first job. I'm happy I'm appreciative, and everyone says 'Wow, Peter's amazing,'" Bradford added as he served customers. No Limits is a labor of love for Khia Lopez, a teacher who owns a school for children with special needs. "The reason we opened this restaurant was because they were graduating aging out of the system, and we noticed there was a huge need for something for them once they enter into adulthood," she told CBS News Miami. Lopez said she wants to give adults with unique abilities a purpose, a place of belonging, independence and a chance. "Our kids are busing tables, making coffee on their own. They're running our food and their group greeting guests they're hosting, and it doesn't take much for them," she continued. "They just need someone to give them a chance." "He's more independent," said Carolyn Bradford, Peter's mom. "He wants to help me and says, 'Mommy, when I get my first paycheck, I wanna help you with the bills now.'" Their goal is to promote inclusion awareness, and acceptance and with the right opportunity, there are no limits to what they can achieve. "It makes me happy to see my mom proud of me, and I'm happy to be proud of my mother," said Peter Bradford. The soft opening for friends and family was held on Friday but they are inviting the community for their grand opening on Saturday, August 9th, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at their location on 13920 SW 47th St. They're open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Free Malaysia Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Music teacher receives award, wins RM50,000 grant for his school
Stefanus Lucas, music teacher at SK Pendidikan Khas (P) Kota Kinabalu is the recipient of the RISE Educator Award 2025. (Taylor's College pic) SUBANG JAYA : A dedicated educator from Sabah, Cikgu Stefanus Lucas, has been named recipient of the RISE Educator Award 2025, organised by Taylor's College and its student engagement arm, The Risers. Lucas also received RM5,000 in recognition for his work in using music as a transformative tool to empower students with special needs. In addition to the award, RM50,000 was awarded to SK Pendidikan Khas (P) Kota Kinabalu to fund a project that brings Lucas's educational vision to life. Working with visually- and hearing-impaired students, Lucas established a specialised music room for them despite the limited resources he had. He also formed a boy band, giving his students a stage to shine and a medium to express themselves confidently. The music teacher's long-term vision includes forming Sabah's first student ensemble that combines traditional and modern instruments, besides building a dedicated music space tailored for deaf learners. 'To many, music may seem like a luxury – but to my students, it is a lifeline. It's how they express emotions, connect with others, and begin to believe in their own worth. 'I started with almost nothing – just a belief that music could change lives,' Lucas said, adding that the award was a reminder that inclusion is possible, and that every student deserves the opportunity to be seen, heard, and celebrated. 'I share this honour with them, because their resilience is what inspires me every day,' Lucas said. (L-R) Music teacher Stefanus Lucas; Fadzliaton Zainudin of the Education Ministry; Muhammad Hamka Eallie, headmaster of SK Pendidikan Khas (P) Kota Kinabalu; and Josephine Tan of Taylor's College. (Taylor's College pic) Registering his pride at his music teacher's achievements, headmaster Muhammad Hamka Eallie, added: 'Stefanus has given our students a sense of identity, pride, and purpose. 'He doesn't see their disabilities – he sees their potential. He has transformed the way our school views learning, inclusion, and what it means to empower every child. The impact he's made is deep and lasting, and we are incredibly proud to see his work recognised on a national stage.' Following over 1,000 nomination submissions in March, 10 educators were shortlisted and profiled on the RISE Educator website, giving the public a chance to vote for their favourites. Over 65,000 public votes were cast, accounting for 25% of the final result. The remaining 75% of votes were cast by a distinguished panel of judges. The judges' evaluation focused on each teacher's impact, creativity, and the sustainability of their initiatives. From the shortlist, five finalists were selected. Besides Lucas, the others included Mohd Nur Hifzhan Noordan (SK Sungai Passai, Sibu, Sarawak); Dr Mohd Zamri Husaini (SK Kampung Tun Razak, Melaka); Izzat Fahim Ibrahim (SK Tagibang, Kota Marudu, Sabah); and Hallsen Justin (SK Timbua, Ranau, Sabah). The four finalists each received RM1,000 in recognition of their contributions. Their respective schools also received RM10,000 each, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and learning environments to further support meaningful educational outcomes and student development. The award ceremony was graced by Fadzliaton Zainudin, deputy director of the educational resources and technology division of the Education Ministry, who delivered a keynote address to commemorate the occasion. The RISE Educator Award 2025 recipient was awarded RM5,000, while his school received RM50,000. The four other finalists received RM1,000 each and RM10,000 for their respective schools. In her speech, Fadzliaton commended Taylor's College for consistently championing quality education by recognising and supporting the incredible efforts of educators on the ground. 'The RISE Educator Award highlights how real change often starts with small, consistent acts of care and dedication,' she added. Meanwhile Josephine Tan, campus director of Taylor's College, shared that over the past five years, the RISE Educator Award has revealed the remarkable resilience and creativity of teachers who quietly transform the meaning of education. 'These educators don't wait for ideal conditions – they create opportunities with what they have. What drives them isn't just innovation, but deep purpose and belief in their students. Many even fund their own projects, expecting little recognition in return. 'The RISE Educator Award has grown into more than just a reward, it is now a platform that brings educators, communities, and changemakers together to celebrate impact, exchange ideas, and inspire one another,' Tan said. Since its inception, the RISE Educator Award has celebrated 18 educators, and channelled more than RM200,000 in grants and development support to schools across the country. For more information on the RISE Educator Award, visit Taylor's College website.
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Mother, special needs son fail in appeal over ‘bullying' lawsuit's dismissal
The Court of Appeal emphasised that bullying has no place in society but said evidence in the case was insufficient to prove that the boy had been victimised. PUTRAJAYA : The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal brought by a mother and her disabled son against the government and a special needs school over their alleged failure to protect the boy from being bullied. The appellant, now 27, was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Asperger's syndrome. In 2017, the mother and son initiated legal action against the school, located in Shah Alam, naming its then headmaster, the education ministry, and the government as defendants. The duo argued that the school and authorities had a duty to provide a safe and supportive environment for students with special needs, and to ensure that teachers and staff were adequately trained to manage such students. The High Court dismissed the lawsuit in 2023, saying the mother and son had failed to prove their claim against the defendants on a balance of probabilities. In upholding the lower court's finding, Justice Nazlan Ghazali said the mother failed to establish that her son had been bullied on four occasions between May and November 2016. Also on the panel hearing the appeal were Justices Azmi Ariffin and Faizah Jamaludin. Nazlan also noted that the boy did not testify in his own case, with only his mother giving evidence. 'On top of all that, we also find that the plaintiffs' case on the alleged incidents could not succeed as the individual, known as 'H', who allegedly harassed and assaulted the boy, was neither named as a party nor subpoenaed to give evidence. 'We also find that the plaintiffs' argument that the boy was incapable of testifying does not hold water. Any person is competent to testify unless the court considers it otherwise,' said Nazlan. The court emphasised that bullying has no place in society but said the evidence in the case was insufficient to prove that the boy had been victimised. 'There could have been disagreements or even altercations, especially involving the boy and 'H' — but the courts make decisions based on facts and evidence,' Nazlan added.
