Live Blog
This live blog is about celebrating the inspirational stories and achievements of individuals all over the world who have overcome their ‘different ability’, impairment, stunted growth or otherwise to prove misconceptions are wrong and equality and diversity is the way forward… please enjoy, share and comment thank you …
Interview 8 with Steve Sullivan (series) – What challenges have you had?
https://youtu.be/Xbx9CMkHUQ0 In the interview with Steve Sullivan, Erika Petrie talks about the challenges she has had to face with a differently abled child like Micaela and how, when she nearly lost her four years ago this led to her writing the song 'Different' and...
Down syndrome stories: 21 things parents wish they knew by Laura Coffey
Micaela (Miki) with her older sister, Julia (courtesy of Erika Petrie) Veteran parents describe what it's actually like to raise a child with three copies of chromosome 21. March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day, a time to celebrate the lives of people with Down syndrome...
Maxine Simeone’s story
My sparkle life started with headbands. I’ve loved sparkles my whole life, especially disco balls and sapphires, my birthstone. Oh, and of course–diamonds!I’ve always worn headbands. But, one day, when I was about eight or nine years old, a gem fell off the headband I...
Interview 7 with Steve Sullivan (series) – What would you say to an expectant mother of a down syndrome baby?
https://youtu.be/goptL5OhdyI In this 7th interview with Steve Sullivan, Erika Petrie talks quite openly about what she would say to a parent pregnant with a child with Down Syndrome, who is uncertain whether to continue with the pregnancy or not...
Interview 6 with Steve Sullivan (series) – What is a normal day like?
https://youtu.be/9yvmJH9nCVo Steve Sullivan talks again to Erika Petrie, this time about what a routine day is like with a 'different child' like Micaela and how music makes a difference to Micaela, really making her come alive and want to express herself!
Interview 5 with Steve Sullivan (series) – What is special about Julia
https://youtu.be/xxVgg1a4SCE Steve Sullivan talks again to Erika Petrie, this time about her eldest daughter Julia and how she is positively affected by having a sibling who is different, and the extra awareness and sensitivity it brings...
Donate Now!
As of 31st March 2022, Shades of Different is now officially registered as a charity incorporated organisation (charity no: 1198481). We aim to raise funds to provide vital therapies and promote better inclusion for differently able children, initially in Dorset and hopefully spreading to other parts of the UK in the future. Please donate as little or as much as you can, knowing that this will really make a difference to these children who really deserve it and can help to make our world a better place.
Thank you