To the editor:

For many of us parents, spring break is a time to scramble to find care for our children and something for them to do, even more so children like my son, who has autism and needs extra levels of care and attention. Thank you again so much to Annette Deghand and all the staff working the Parks and Recreation Spring Break Camp for youngsters and young adults including all levels of disability. My son has limited speech, but he makes it clear every evening he wants to go back to camp the next day.

I am so grateful to those who give up their spring break time to work with these kids to give them opportunities to get involved in this great community. Also a big thank you to the businesses in Lawrence that invite these groups in. It means a lot as a parent that my son be seen not just as a child with autism, but as a young man who needs to see the world and learn about what kind of adventures he can have in a safe, fun manner. Also that the world can see him not just as a person with strange behaviors, but one that understands and enjoys new things.

I would encourage people to learn about the special populations group in the Parks and Recreation Department and applaud them for their kindness and adept versatility in working with so many unique kids. It is a work of the brave and kind. I admire and thank you all and will see you again for summer camp.

Sharon Vokins and son, Joshua,
Lawrence